Two Trails. 190 Miles. Three Charities. One Purpose.

We’ve set ourselves a pretty big (and slightly crazy) challenge over the next five months: we’re taking on two long-distance trails in support of three charities that mean so much to us.

This summer, it’s me, Laura, and our loyal little mascot Degsey (named after Laura’s dad), setting off on the Cleveland Way—that’s 109 miles (175 km) of Yorkshire coast and moorland, over 10–12 days.

Then in the spring, we’ll swap hopeful summer tans for waterproofs and hike the Dales Way—81 miles (130 km) of riverside paths and rolling hills—over 6–8 days.

Why We’re Walking

We’re not people who usually share our private lives. But behind this challenge is a very personal reason—and we want to walk this journey not just for ourselves, but for others going through things they may not talk about either.

We love a good walk. Sunday strolls? Absolutely. Hiking boots? Owned. But this is different. It’s longer. It’s harder. There’ll be blisters, soggy socks, and definitely a few wrong turns.

But we’re doing it with purpose. And for someone very special.

Over the past few years, life has thrown some heavy punches.

Laura was diagnosed with severe endometriosis, a painful and often invisible condition. It led to major surgery—and the heartbreaking news that we wouldn’t be able to have children. That kind of news knocks the wind out of you.

While we were still processing that, we faced another loss: Laura’s dad, Derek, was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Derek wasn’t just a father—he was kind, strong, and the kind of person who lit up every room. He loved the outdoors. Hiking was his peace and his joy.

On 5th April 2022, we lost him.

We miss him every day. So these walks are for him.

They’re for people living with invisible pain.

They’re for anyone who’s faced loss, uncertainty, or heartbreak—and kept going anyway.

Who We’re Raising Money For

Once both trails are complete, we’ll split all funds equally between three brilliant charities:

• York Against Cancer – supporting local cancer care, research, and patient services

• St Leonard’s Hospice – where family and others close to us received compassionate care

• Endometriosis UK – providing support, education, and advocacy for those living with endometriosis

How Donations Will Be Handled

GoFundMe sends all donations directly to us. Once both walks are complete, we’ll:

• Split the total equally (⅓ each)

• Donate the full amounts to the three charities

• Share proof of donation, right here for full transparency

‍♀️ Follow Our Journey

We’ll be sharing updates as we go—the views, the blisters, and everything in between. If you’d like to follow along, send us a cheer, or just share some trail snacks or walking tips, we’d love it.

If you can donate, share, or simply support us with kind words—thank you. Every step we take is for:

• Those we’ve loved

• Those still fighting

• And everyone trying to find their way forward

One step at a time.

With all our hearts,

Mikey, Laura and of course Degsey