05 Mar 2022

Steve’s hiking journey

“Hiking, it’s in the blood!”

As an avid hiker, Steve has led walking groups for the last twenty years and climbed the highest peaks in forty countries. However, in February 2021 Steve was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Yet Steve was determined to continue with his passion for hiking.

Since getting the diagnosis during the pandemic, it has changed my life, as it affects everything. The places I go and what I do. I had to change my job and avoid going out into crowded places due to my reduced immunity.

But I was determined that it would not change my love of hiking and the joy it brings me. A year later, I decided to take on the Lyke Wake Walk as a fundraising activity, as I wanted something positive to come out of my diagnosis.

I stepped up my usual walking routine by getting a few 20-mile walks under my belt, which was great as it gave me something to focus on. Something to aim for.

Then the day finally came for me to once again lace up my hiking boots and I was ready for the challenge. The Lyke Wake Walk is a 24 hour challenge, but I completed the 40.5-mile route in 15 hours. When I set off on my hike, I took in the scenery and enjoyed being back out on a hiking trail.

Along the way, I met up with my friend John at the RV points, which was a morale boost as he was always ready with a brew to keep me going. During the final 100 meters, he laced up his boots and joined me and we finished the Lyke Wake Walk together.

My fundraising target was £1,000 but I have now raised over £1,300 for Leukaemia UK, as I hope to continue to raise awareness of blood cancer.

Steve shares his advice for anyone who is considering taking on a challenge, “by helping others, you are ultimately helping yourself both physically and mentally”.

We are so grateful for Steve’s support and look forward to hearing what hike he will take on next.  

Read more of our stories.

Related posts

Leukaemia UK and Leukaemia Care urge benefits to be raised in line with inflation

16 November 2022

Leukaemia UK and Leukaemia Care urge benefits to be raised in line with inflation

Leukaemia UK and Leukaemia Care have written to the Chancellor to highlight the additional financial pressures faced by blood cancer patients and their families, ahead of the Autumn Statement this…

Spectacular sailing challenge in memory of Pat Buckley

23 September 2022

Spectacular sailing challenge in memory of Pat Buckley

Royal Corinthian Yacht Club’s 61st Endeavour Trophy fundraiser for Leukaemia UK A fleet of thirty boats displaying the Leukaemia UK logo on their sails will put on a spectacular racing…

MP opens Leukaemia UK Ambulatory Care Unit

15 June 2018

MP opens Leukaemia UK Ambulatory Care Unit

A unit funded by Leukaemia UK which allows people with blood cancer to have stem cell transplants as out-patients has been officially opened by its first patient, Nick Boles MP

Blood cancer: Top tips for keeping mentally healthy

6 February 2012

Blood cancer: Top tips for keeping mentally healthy

Keeping mentally healthy when you have a blood cancer can be challenging, but there are lots of things you can do to help keep yourself psychologically well. Here, the Leukaemia UK Mind & Body team share top tips they offer to the patients they support