Macmillan Fundraising
GEM would like to congratulate those who recently completed the Mighty Hike on their amazing fundraising efforts in raising £2,050 for Macmillan Cancer Support
On the 13th September some brave staff from GEM as well as family and friends took on the marathon walk across the Northumberland coastline, starting at Alnwick Castle and finishing at Bamburgh Castle.
Annie Dorner, Beth Conley, Jeanette McGuiness, Ruth Jackson and Stacey Spence took on the challenge and with efforts as brilliant as the scenery they took in, they managed to raise a wonderful total for a fantastic cause.
We spoke with each about their reasoning for undertaking the challenge and what their experience was like:
Annie
We’ve been training for months and I thoroughly enjoyed the day and proud of us all for taking on the challenge! We laughed, we cried, we chatted about everything and nothing along the way, saw some beautiful scenery and watched our feet take one step after another through a torrential downpour!
I signed up to push myself and also to raise money for a charity that does so much for so many families who have loved one’s facing a cancer diagnosis and their journey along that road. The organisation on the day couldn’t have been better, we were well looked after from start to finish.
Beth
The event was brilliant and atmosphere was amazing and the sense of togetherness was nothing like I’ve ever experienced, I completed along with the team from GEM and my Husband, Jordan my husband was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia when he was 17 years old and had a tough fight. But luckily this year in November we get to celebrate 10 years clear of cancer.
Unfortunately for some families this isn’t the case including our good friend Joel Gray who lost his life a few years ago who we dedicated our walk too. Although the terrain and weather were a challenge the support for our friends & colleagues pushed everyone along and made the day a great day and something we will cherish forever!
Jeanette
I am so glad I took part in the Mighty Hike along the Northumberland Coast with some fellow work colleagues and wider family members who were a pleasure to meet and we are now ‘fellow hikers’.
Personally I found this a real challenge, naively not realising how far 26 miles would actually be. I could have given up after the second pit stop at 12.9 miles but pushed on for another 3 miles when my feet couldn’t take any more! I am so proud of myself for doing something so far out of my comfort zone and for raising much needed funds for an amazing charity.
I was walking in memory of my amazing Mam who I lost in June 2021 and for all those going through their own cancer battles. I would like to thank the whole team for their support and encouragement, particularly Annie for helping me through some difficult spots enroute. We have a beautiful coastline in Northumberland and lots of fantastic photos were taken. WELL DONE EVERYONE, YOU DID AMAZING!!
Stacey
I wanted to give something back to a charity that is very close to my heart, McMillan is a huge support to many (not realising it was 26 miles when I first signed up). From the off, I was really nervous and doubted myself that I would not complete the full marathon. 26 Miles is huge especially with no training.
As a team (colleagues and family/friends) we really encouraged each other all the way, we laughed and cried together. It was an amazing atmosphere with fantastic views and so much encouragement.
There were many challenges:
1 – The hike itself
2 – The weather
3 – The pain
But regardless of the challenges, I can honestly say it come with so many highs – Seeing all those inspirational people taking part , the support from strangers, people currently battling the illness and people grieving supporting one another was nothing like I have witnessed ever before.
I would personally like to take this time to thank Jordan (Beth’s husband) he was my inspiration from 19 miles to 26 miles, listening to his story and his determination to complete the hike really touched my heart and he never once made it about him. In November this year he will reach 10 years all clear from cancer, crossing that finishing line together was something that will stay with me for life. Together we are all “The mighty Hikers”
We’re also pleased to say that due to our recent Macmillan Coffee Morning we’re able to add a further £111.50 to the total raised!