Walking up the backbone of England and sleeping in the back of a van is the daunting challenge facing Simon Frith.
His epic 268-mile jaunt up the Pennine Way will honour the memory of sister-in-law Isobel Kershaw, from Macclesfield.
The mum of two spent her last two weeks in East Cheshire Hospice where she married Tom Harper.
Simon will be joined by wife Becky Alvarez – Isobel’s older sister – for the two-week adventure in aid of the Hospice in September.
Becky will drive the blue VW van normally used by the couple for their upholstery business in Macclesfield.
For this special trip it will be converted into sleeping quarters on a journey from Edale, Derbyshire, to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders.
Simon said: “I’ve done a few big walks, including the 250-mile Cape Wrath trail in Scotland and Offa’s Dyke which is 180 miles.
“I might even walk from the Hospice to Edale to add a few more miles at the start. I’ll walk around seven or eight hours a day covering 18 to 20 miles.
“The 60th anniversary of the Pennine Way seems the right time to do it, especially for such a great cause.
“Becky coming along makes it easier. She’ll walk a couple of miles each day before going off to explore the surrounding area.
“She’ll meet me after every stage and feed me or take me to the pub which takes stress away.
“The van is easily convertible with a bed, cool box and cooker so is an ideal mobile home.”
Isobel is their inspiration. She was 38 when she died of neuroendocrine cancer in February, just 10 months after diagnosis.
Isobel and Tom were married 24 hours after she was admitted to the Hospice. VIP guests were sons Brody (9) and Teddy (5).
Simon said: “The wedding was originally in March, but time was of the essence. The Hospice were unbelievable helping with arrangements.
“The Hospice couldn’t do enough for the family. Tom and Brody virtually lived there for two weeks in an adjoining room. It was like a home from home for them.”
Isobel worked for vending machine company Broderick’s which supported her during her illness.
Simon and Becky are coaches at Macclesfield Harriers. Simon said: “I don’t want to rush the walk.
“We’ve also had help from our friend Carl Lamptey who is no stranger to fundraising for the Hospice.”
* To donate visit www.justgiving.com/page/simon-frith-1
