Hi, my name is Stephen Rawson and on the 17th and 18th May, along with my wife Annette, brother Paul and colleague John, we plan to walk 70 miles in memory of my father, Peter Rawson. We aim to raise as much money as we can for Northwest Cancer Research.

My Dad was a Civil Engineer working for Tameside for the bulk of his career and was instrumental in rerouting the Huddersfield Narrow Canal back through the centre of Stalybridge and the regeneration of Ashton Market Hall following a fire in 2004. He cared a great deal about his home town of Stalybridge and in retirement he remained involved with the Canal Society and became Chairman of the Stalybridge Town Team. Organising volunteer days to tidy the town centre and the Canal as well as being involved in organising many town centre events.

Unfortunately, having been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in May last year, Dad sadly passed away in October, he was 69 years old. As my Dad would have been 70 on 15th May this year we decided to plan a 70 mile walk to raise money for Northwest Cancer Research in my Dad’s memory.

After some research we have settled on walking the South Pennine Canal Ring, which covers 5 different Canal networks and is just over 70 miles. It also allows us to start and end our walk in Stalybridge next to the part of the Canal that my Dad and his team worked so hard to restore.

We are hoping to cover the distance in 2 days, our starting point will be Stalybridge with an overnight stop halfway at Hebden Bridge.

About Northwest Cancer Research:

Living in the Northwest, we are 25% more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than anywhere else in the UK. Northwest Cancer Research are an independent charity dedicating to putting our regions cancer needs first, funding pioneering research to tackle to cause, improve the care and find the cure for cancer. They focus on the types of cancer that affect people living across Northwest England and North Wales the most.

How you can help:

We would love for as many people as possible to get involved…

• Support us – donate to the charity and post on social media to spread awareness.

• Join us virtually – Plan your own route local to you or head down to your local gym and challenge yourself to see how far you can walk in a certain time. Post this on social media to showcase your hard work and encourage others to donate.

• Join us physically – Walk with us for whatever distance you’re comfortable with, whether that’s one mile or more.

• Please note, as we will be covering such a long distance over the 2 days the pace will be brisk and the stops will be brief.

Should you wish to get involved or would like further information please contact us.

A full route can be shared with mile markers and break checkpoints for anyone who wants it.