Simon Frith Picture 4

Simon Frith completes a near 300-mile walk along the Pennine Way.

Driving, cooking, washing, walking, dog minding and providing moral support were all part of the daily routine for Becky Alvarez on an emotional journey.

It was her selfless way of helping husband Simon Frith complete a near 300-mile walk along the Pennine Way.

In the process, the couple raised almost £12,000 for East Cheshire Hospice in memory of Becky’s younger sister Isobel Kershaw.

Isobel died of neuroendocrine cancer in February, aged 38, months after diagnosis.

Walker Simon Frith enjoys a free half pint at The Border Hotel after his walk

Walker Simon Frith enjoys a free half pint at The Border Hotel after his walk.

Isobel spent her last two weeks at the Hospice where she married Tom Harper accompanied by sons Brody (9) and Teddy (5).

Simon is no stranger to long walks but the 16-day hike from the Hospice to the Scottish Borders had extra meaning.

The couple converted their blue VW van used for their upholstery business in Macclesfield into sleeping quarters.

Simon said: “Mine was the easy bit. I just went for a walk, but I couldn’t have done it without my fantastic one-woman support crew.

Simon pictured with his dog Red.

Simon gets moral support from Red.

“I can’t think of a better way of spending my time and doing it for the Hospice was special.

“I was honest and at times emotional in my daily Instagram and Facebook blogs as the walk was in Isobel’s honour.

“These posts led to donations from strangers. Some were quite sizeable and there’s no real way of thanking them apart from on social media.

Simon and Becky smiling at the camera whilst taking a selfie.

Simon and Becky on their 16-day adventure.

“The van didn’t let us down. In fact, we stayed in accommodation for two nights and that was less comfortable than the van!”

Becky said: “The Hospice was clearly at the forefront of our minds – that was our reason for doing the walk.

“It wasn’t a good situation before Isobel went into the Hospice, but once we left it had changed our lives in a positive way despite the sadness of losing my sister.

“There are so many people whose lives have been touched by the Hospice and that will continue.

Simon and Becky are joined by family members as they leave the Hospice.

Simon and Becky are joined by family members as they leave the Hospice.

“I was cook, washer, driver, facilitator and joined Simon for part of the walk.

“I even took Red, our 10-year-old Wirehaired Pointer, to the vets when he wasn’t well. Friends also joined us at various stages.”

Simon had a scare on the last day when he fell down a hole on the Cheviot Mountains.

A scan revealed no leg break and before long he completed a 21-mile Beating the Bounds walk round Macclesfield with Isobel’s other sister Jessica raising more funds.

* To donate visit www.justgiving.com/page/simon-frith-

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