A friend of a former Dumfries woman has set off on a mammoth 2,700-mile challenge to raise money for the hospice that supported her and her family at the end of her life.
Adam Brown is walking around Britain in memory of Anna Pike, who died aged 39 in 2018 following a battle with an extremely rare form of cancer.
The 46-year-old, an experienced walker, started his epic trek, named The Great British Gut Buster, on Sunday from John O’Groats.
He aims to complete the 2,700-mile route in around four months, ending outside Buckingham Palace in London.
Adam, who now lives in New Zealand, is hoping to raise plenty of cash for Eden Valley Hospice in Carlisle.
He said: “This hospice provided fabulous support to Anna’s family throughout the most difficult of times, so when Anna passed away, I vowed to raise money for the hospice as a way of saying thank you for the care they afforded her.
“It costs the hospice more than £4 million a year to provide service to patients and their families, with only around 20 per cent of that coming from the NHS.
“The money I will hopefully raise will enable the hospice to continue providing care to adults and children with life-limiting conditions in the future.
“Hiking is my main hobby, so a walking challenge for a fundraiser, in Anna’s memory, was the obvious choice.”
Teacher Anna was originally from Dumfries and was also brought up in Langholm and Canonbie.
She went on to teach at Petteril Bank Primary School in Carlisle until she fell ill.
A year after her death, Anna’s mum Jenny, from Canonbie, took part in the Great North Run to help the care, support and activities provided at the hospice.
She said at the time: “Anna had an extremely rare form of
cancer.
“Sadly, all treatments were unsuccessful and Eden Valley Hospice gave Anna amazing care and allowed her to live as independently as possible during her final months. When she was staying in the hospice, we were allowed to stay with her.
“I cannot praise the hospice and its staff highly enough.
“The hospice has also been there for our family and I myself have benefited greatly from the counselling and alternative therapy sessions.
“Anna lived a full and exciting life and touched many, many hearts.
“I owe it to her to live a life she no longer has and wanted to do something in her memory.”
Adam will be documenting his progress via his website www.greatbritishgutbuster.com
Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Adam-Brown113
