Mike recently walked the full length of Hadrian’s Wall Path, covering more than 90 miles over just three days, in a demanding endurance effort inspired by both personal experience and a desire to give back.
Undertaken alongside three friends, the challenge saw the group cover more than a marathon – around 60,000 steps – a day. While the three-day route is officially marked at 84 miles, Mike says the reality was somewhat longer – and tougher – than the signposts suggest.
A personal cause
Reflecting on the experience, he described the emotional lift of reaching each day’s finish point, including the welcome sight of the DTS van after the first 30 miles. The journey combined stunning scenery with significant physical challenge, particularly during the final miles of each day, where determination – and encouragement from friends, family and industry colleagues – proved crucial.
The cause behind the challenge is deeply personal. Mike’s father was treated at The Christie after being diagnosed with advanced cancer, and thanks to the incredible care and expertise of the team, the family enjoyed an additional 14 years together.
“Their work gives families like mine both hope and time,” Mike explains. “That time is beyond price, but it comes at a cost.”
The Manchester-based specialist cancer centre supports over 60,000 patients each year, providing life-extending treatment, care and research that benefits families across the UK.
Mike’s challenge was designed not only to raise funds, but to symbolise that impact – dedicating his 60,000 daily steps to the thousands of patients supported by the charity.
As a solution provider to the sector through DTS, Mike is well-known to many across the Fuel Oil News community. Those wishing to support Mike’s epic fundraising efforts can do so via his JustGiving page: Click here to support Mike’s fundraising.
Images provided by Mike Smith.