Stepping out….for a good cause

Fifteen walkers completed the 200-mile Greater Manchester Ringway in 15 days, raising more than £22,000 for Cancer Research UK while honouring Jen Jackson’s memory and supporting ovarian cancer awareness.

A bunch of chums have completed a charity walk for a “deeply personal fundraising challenge” – enduring gruelling conditions in the process. The group finished trekking  around the 200 mile (322km) Greater Manchester Ringway route to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

They crossed the finishing line last Thursday (25 June) on what was the hottest June day ever recorded in the UK when temperatures reached a staggering 36.7C.

The charity walk was dubbed “OVA THE HILLS’ and the 15-strong team successfully completed all 20 stages of the GM Ringway trail in only 15 days, raising over 22,000 pounds (25,500 euros) for the charity.

Highlights

• 15 walkers completed the 200-mile Greater Manchester Ringway.
• Challenge finished in just 15 days.
• More than £22,000 raised for Cancer Research UK.
• Walk dedicated to ovarian cancer awareness.
• Inspired by Jen Jackson, who died from ovarian cancer.
• Team completed the trek during record-breaking UK heat.
• Average age of participants was 67.
• Finished exactly one year after Jen’s passing.
• Curzon Ashton FC supported the team with transport.
• Walk symbolised resilience, remembrance, and hope.

The route covers the entire circumference of Greater Manchester, the biggest UK conurbation outside London.

One of those who took part, Trevor Baxter, told this site, “It was not the ideal time you would imagine to do a 200 miles but we’re delighted to have done it.

“It was a very interesting walk and we got to see so many different places I had never seen.”

The walkers,  whose average age was 67, dedicated the walk to the charity, specifically supporting the fight against ovarian cancer.

The idea of the fundraising walk came from one of the group Phil Jackson while he walking along a deserted beach in Western Australia shortly after his wife Jen’s death from ovarian cancer.

When he returned to the UK, Phil discussed the idea with friends, and one of them – Andy Walker – suggested basing it on the 200-mile GM Ringway trail.

As a result, the charity hike was born.

An event spokesman said, “The walk was in memory of Jen, who passed away exactly one year ago the day we finished our walk. Jen was a much-loved mother, wife, nannie and  friend whose loss is felt deeply.

“She faced ovarian cancer with incredible strength and courage and touched so many lives with her kindness, warmth, and sense of humour. This walk was a way for the us to honour her memory and ensure that her story helps raise awareness of a disease that affects so many women and families.”

It started on June 11 and the walkers, despite the recent intense heatwave, achieved their aim to finish the challenge on June 25, exactly one year on from Jen’s passing.

The spokesman added, “We walked with determination, love and a shared purpose. The physical nature of the challenge reflected, in a small way, the uphill battle faced by women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and the people who stand beside them.

“Every mile walked was a tribute to Jen and a reminder of why greater awareness, earlier diagnosis, and continued support for research are so important.

“The route took us across a wide variety of landscapes—from busy city streets to quiet countryside paths and the hills that surround the region. 

“It was a demanding journey, both physically and mentally but with Jen’s memory guiding us, every step carried meaning. 

“The challenge was not just about the distance covered, but about turning grief into something positive—raising awareness, supporting vital charities, and helping ensure that fewer families have to experience the same loss.”

To help the group get to and from each of the start and finish points, a local football club, Curzon Ashton FC, allowed them use of the club’s minibus and two club directors walked with them at certain stages along the way.

The GM Ringway Association also helped to promote the event.

Designed around existing footpaths, parks and waterways, the GM Ringway connects residents and visitors – and charity walkers – with the city-region’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

·     to donate to the Cancer Research OVA THE HILLS charity fund, go here.