A Malton man has completed a sponsored 50-mile ‘walk to work’ for the charity who helped his dad through a cancer diagnosis.

Mike Garvey trekked across the North Yorkshire Moors to Teesside over two days on his commute to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Care.

His dad, Stewart, was diagnosed with throat cancer last year, but with the support of Macmillan, has since been given the all-clear, and Mike wanted to give back to the charity, especially during these difficult times.

Mike said: “This pandemic has been difficult for everyone, and this has led to a decline in donations and fund raising for many charities that rely on our help to continue the excellent work they do. I simply wished to help raise as much money in support of Macmillan so that no-one has to miss out on the excellent treatment and support that they offer patients and their families, like they have mine.”

Mike was joined and supported by his 14-year-old daughter Holly for 32 miles for the walk which was completed in 15 and a half hours and raised £1,700.

“When I decided to take on this walk it was for my personal experience with my Dad going through his treatment. I was quite humbled by the amount of people that contacted me with support and how so many of them had been affected by cancer in one way or another. Crossing the finish line with Holly was such a proud moment for me, we had a fantastic weekend and I hope this has helped to raise awareness for such a valuable charity. We are now trying to decide what we will do next.”

Laura Holohan, Fundraising Manager in Yorkshire, said, “It is very touching and inspiring that Mike and his daughter Holly took on such a huge commute in honour of Mike’s dad.

"We want people to know we are still there for them despite the current pandemic, and our wonderful supporters like Mike and Holly make sure we can do whatever it takes to be there for people living with cancer.”

To donate to Mike and Holly go to https://thyg.uk/AUU54374