County Durham directors complete 56-mile Weardale Way challenge in memory of their fathers

Four County Durham company directors have completed a gruelling 56-mile walk along the Weardale Way in memory of their fathers, raising more than £7,000 for Marie Curie.

Brothers Phil and Michael Pallister, alongside Jason Oakes and Liam Hall, completed the two-day challenge after setting off from Killhope on Thursday morning and arriving in Durham on Friday evening.

The walk was undertaken in memory of their fathers while raising funds for Marie Curie, the UK’s leading end of life charity, which provides vital care and support to people living with terminal illness and their families.

Support for the campaign continued throughout the challenge, with the total fundraising amount reaching £7,245.

The challenge followed a successful workplace fundraising event involving colleagues from across the business, including raffles, games, football scratch cards, a dress-down day and refreshments.

The final stretch into Durham was joined by colleagues, friends and supporters before the team crossed the finish line at Durham Cathedral.

Jason Oakes, Partnership Director, said: “Completing the challenge was a fantastic feeling, but what has stood out most is the incredible support we’ve received throughout the fundraising campaign.

“From colleagues and customers to friends, family members and local businesses, people have been incredibly generous. Every donation will help Marie Curie continue providing vital care and support to people and families facing some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable.

“We’re extremely grateful to everyone who has helped us along the way.”

Phil Pallister, CEO, added: “The walk was challenging both physically and mentally at times, but knowing the reason we were doing it kept us going.

“This challenge was undertaken in memory of our fathers, and crossing the finish line together felt like a fitting way to honour them. We hope we’ve done them proud.

“We’d like to thank every person who has donated, shared our fundraising page or sent messages of support throughout the challenge.”

Kelly Knighting-Wykes, Head of Fundraising at Marie Curie, North of England, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Phil, Michael, Jason, Liam and everyone at 0800 Repair for their fundraising efforts over the last few months, helping to raise vital funds for end of life care.

“Thanks to the incredible amount raised, Marie Curie can continue to help provide expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, and support for their family and friends, in the North East and across the UK.”

Marie Curie supports people with any illness they are likely to die from including Alzheimer’s (and other forms of dementia), heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s, and advanced cancer.