Brothers Sam and Tom took on their self-titled ‘Cotswold Way Tramp’, jogging and walking from Bath to Chipping Campden via the Cotswold Way, with the pair determined to trek the 102-mile journey without stopping.
Their mum, Jo Wright, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, and again in 2008. Despite undergoing treatment in 2012, Jo organised her own Cotswold Way hiking challenge, titled ‘Ramble 4 Research’, and raised money for Cancer Research UK.
Inspired by their mum’s challenge, Sam and Tom decided to create their own version and decided to raise money for Myton. Jo was cared for by our Myton at Home team before she was admitted to our Warwick Myton Hospice. Jo died on 21st November 2014, 18 years after she was initially diagnosed.
Sam said:
We wanted to commemorate mum’s walk and celebrate her life over a decade on from her challenge, so we chose to recreate the route. But to level the playing field and make it as much of a challenge as it was for mum, as we’re in good health and generally good fitness, we thought we’d do it in one go!
Sam and Tom said:
We were so impressed with the standard of treatment, compassion and care that mum was met with during her time at Myton. Seeing first-hand the resources and personnel requirements that ensure everyone receives a level of palliative and end of life care that gives patients the dignity and comfort that’s so needed in the final stages of their lives, it was the obvious choice of charity to fundraise for.
Tom added:
The night shift was probably the toughest part. After our pace had slowed and the cold had come in, those miles went by slowly at first. A few wrong turns were taken and some of the hills were never-ending. But we kept spirits high, powered on until sunrise when we knew a second wind and much-needed breakfast was incoming.
Sam continued:
In terms of sheer elation and relief, the best part was touching the "This Way to Bath" sign with Tom in Chipping Campden at the end of the journey. Every emotion was laid out there and then, and with so many of our mum's friends and our family waiting to cheer us on, it was a memorable moment that will always stay with us.
With a target of £3,000, the brothers absolutely smashed their target and raised an amazing £6,310!
Marc Dwyer, Challenge Events Fundraiser at The Myton Hospices, said:
We are so grateful for amazing people like Tom and Sam take on inspiring challenges like their Cotswold Way Tramp. We’ve recently launched our Urgent Appeal to raise £240,000, so more people in Coventry and Warwickshire can access a Hospice Bed when they need it.
Our local community's support is crucial in helping us reach as many people as possible living with life-limiting illnesses. We would like to thank Sam, Tom and everyone who helped along their fundraising journey for their incredible support!