A family-run builders have raised £12,411 through an annual fundraising walk for Leeds Hospitals Charity, supporting cancer patients in Leeds.

The fundraiser was started in 2017 by Andy Miller, whose sisters Jennifer and Maureen are both currently fighting cancer and being cared for at Leeds Cancer Centre.

Some of the money raised, also benefits the charity, Parkinson’s UK. Andy’s wife Maureen has been living with Parkinson’s since 2021 and he is her full-time carer.

Every year, the team, made up of a group ranging from 30 to 70 years old clock up an average of 85 miles on a week-long walk, completing a different route every year, from The Great Glen Way in Scotland, to a trek up Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

On the eighth consecutive year of their challenge, the group took their fundraising efforts international. A team of eight, including one supporter from Dubai, travelled to Portugal to take part in the walk.

The group of family, friends and colleagues, began their trek on the 28^th April from Fontura in Portugal, travelling through to Santiago and completed the final stretch in the Galicia region of Spain.

Around 250 people a week are given a diagnosis of cancer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals. Leeds Hospitals Charity contributes hundreds of thousands of pounds to Leeds Cancer Centre, thanks to the fundraising efforts of extraordinary people like Andy and his team. 

Paul Watkins, Director of Fundraising at Leeds Hospitals Charity said:

“To keep the momentum of a fundraising initiative going for eight years is no mean feat. Andy and his team put so much time and effort into tirelessly planning their route each year, making each walk tougher than the last.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has got involved in this annual walk. Together, with the support of inspirational people like Andy and his friends, we can continue to provide much-needed funds to help improve the hospital experience for people living with cancer and their loved ones.”