Hampshire Man Raises Over £21,000 for Cancer Charity Through Hiking
Richard Martin, a 69-year-old retired financial services professional from Hythe, Hampshire, has raised more than £21,000 for the cancer charity Macmillan by completing marathon-distance hikes across the UK. His efforts are driven by the loss of his father, Alan Martin, who died from lung cancer at age 62 in 1998, and his sister, Teresa Godwin, who passed away from breast cancer at 56 in 2008.
Inspiring Volunteer Work
Motivated by these personal tragedies, Richard became a lead volunteer for Macmillan. His roles include organising supermarket collections and serving as a buddy, making weekly calls to individuals living with cancer. He has also participated in 13 Mighty Hikes, challenging walks that cover up to 26 miles, with his father and sister always at the forefront of his mind during these events.
Richard shared, "At the start of the hikes, Macmillan has little paper sheets on which you can write the reason why you’re doing it. So I always pin on the back of my rucksack the fact that I’m walking for my sister and my dad." He finds the community aspect particularly heart-warming, often sparking conversations with fellow hikers who share similar stories of loss and resilience.
Personal Loss and Motivation
Reflecting on his father's battle, Richard recalled that Alan developed a dry cough in his early 60s, leading to a lung cancer diagnosis. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the cancer spread, and Alan passed away in 1998. Richard expressed regret over not saying everything he wanted to his father, a feeling that fueled his desire to support Macmillan and help others have better experiences.
Years later, his sister Teresa was diagnosed with breast cancer. After a mastectomy and a period of remission, the cancer returned in 2008, spreading rapidly. Richard had the chance to say a proper farewell this time, telling her what a good sister she had been and that he would miss her, which he described as a "better farewell" than with his father.
Journey into Fundraising
After processing both deaths, Richard felt ready to take action. Through a corporate partnership at work, he met a Macmillan fundraising manager and began with a Christmas present-wrapping event in Southampton. This led to charity walks with colleagues, including his first Mighty Hike on the Jurassic Coast, a 22-mile trek from Weymouth to Corfe Castle. With encouragement from his walking partner, Ewan Bell, and some paracetamol, Richard completed the hike despite a calf injury, describing the finish as "really special."
Since then, he has completed 12 more Mighty Hikes across locations such as Brighton, Swansea, the Lake District, and Windsor, often with Ewan. These hikes typically take up to eight hours, though one instance with a severe blister extended to 13 hours. Richard, an avid walker, considers himself "constantly training" due to his regular walking habits.
Future Goals and Impact
Richard aims to complete at least 20 Mighty Hikes and hopes to never stop walking and fundraising. To date, his £21,174.72 in donations could provide significant support: for example, £161 funds eight weeks of emotional support for one person with cancer, while £1,437 covers a Macmillan nurse for a week. He feels proud but humble about his achievements, stating, "I don’t see it as a big deal. I want to do it and I’m pleased I’ve raised that much."
His motivation for sharing his story is to inspire others. "If I can inspire just five more people, then it would have been worthwhile," he said, hoping to spread awareness and raise more funds for Macmillan's vital services.
