Fundraiser Tom Bruce pulled on his walking boots for a poignant coast-to-coast challenge.
The 30-year-old trekked 192 miles from St Bees, in Cumbria, to Robin Hood’s Bay, in North Yorkshire, and raised more than £4,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). He took on the mammoth 12-day challenge in memory of niece Isabella, who had a rare form of cancer and received care at The Treehouse. Sadly, she died in 2023, aged just ten months.
“The first few days were difficult physically, but, after a few days, our bodies got used to it, and it became more of a mental battle,” said Senior Project Manager Tom, from Ipswich, who completed the walk alongside friend Wesley Doyle. “Waking up every morning knowing we had another long day of walking ahead was challenging, to say the least. However, we were determined to keep going as this challenge was in memory of Isabella, as well as to raise funds for EACH. It’s such a great cause and a charity that’s done so much for my family, both in terms of end-of-life care and the amazing support provided afterwards. It made such an enormous difference at a very difficult and emotional time.”
The Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast Walk is a famous long-distance hike, traversing three national parks from St Bees, on the Irish Sea, to Robin Hood’s Bay, on the North Sea. Spanning 192 miles, it features more than 9,000m of elevation and takes in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire Moors.
Along the way, Tom, who is engaged to Kate, and Wesley encountered steep hills, rocks and ridges – not to mention incredible scenery.
His fundraising page is still open, and you can sponsor him by heading here.
EACH Community Fundraiser Megan Kemp said: “Tom and Wesley accomplished something very special. Taking on such an enormous physical challenge is no mean feat, and I can only imagine how gruelling it must have been, both physically and mentally. To go the distance and raise such a significant amount of money is therefore a huge achievement, and both should feel very proud.
“These funds will help us continue our vital work supporting families and caring for children with life-threatening conditions, and everyone here is sincerely grateful.”
