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Press release posted 20 September 2024
56-year-old Mark Dutton from Stockport is set to embark on a huge challenge by walking from Blackpool to The Christie hospital in Manchester in memory of his mother, Barbara.
The epic walk of almost 60 miles will start at the promenade opposite Blackpool Tower at 6pm on Sunday 13 October 2024, with a view to arriving at The Christie around 3pm the following day. This will be the 40th anniversary of when Mark’s mum Barbara died. The walk will be a fundraiser for The Christie Charity, which supports the work of The Christie hospital, where Barbara was treated.
Originally from Northwich, Mark has lived in Stockport for the past 13 years. His connection to The Christie is a personal one, as his mum was treated for cancer there in 1984, as he explains: “The Christie means a lot to me given the fact that my mum lost her battle with cancer there in 1984. I have raised funds for the Charity over the years, including cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats in 2016.”
The walk from Blackpool to The Christie is not just a physical challenge but a symbolic journey that resonates with Mark's past. He says: "The date marks the 40th anniversary of my mum’s passing. When I was a child, we would holiday each year in Blackpool, so it felt poignant to attempt to walk from the seaside town where we holidayed to the place where mum lost her battle with cancer on the actual date as a mark of respect."
Mark will not be walking alone. Around 30 of his friends, family, and work associates will join him on this emotional journey, with some attempting to cover the full distance and others joining him for a few hours, including a couple of friends who are currently undergoing treatment at The Christie hospital. Another friend, Ian Floyd is 65 and is doing the Manchester Half Marathon on the Sunday morning, then going home for a quick ‘soak’ then catching the train to Blackpool to do the whole walk with Mark.
Lea Abell mass participation events officer at The Christie Charity, said: “Mark’s dedication and commitment to honouring his mother while raising funds for The Christie Charity is truly inspiring. The support he is receiving from his friends, family and colleagues is a testament to the impact he is making. We are very grateful to Mark and everyone participating in the walk, and we wish them the best of luck.”
To support the work of The Christie Charity, please go to Donate today or ring 0161 446 3988.
The Christie Charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. This includes money for care and treatment, research, education, and extra patient services. Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to patients and their families.