Two long-time Ashton friends have completed an extraordinary 62.5-mile trek across the Scottish English border – raising more than £6,500 for The Christie Charity in the process.
Paul “Stan” Adshead and Lee Hewitt, both familiar faces at Ashton Cricket Club, set off over the August Bank Holiday weekend to walk St Cuthbert’s Way, a historic trail stretching from Melrose in Scotland to Lindisfarne, better known as Holy Island, in Northumberland.
What began as a £1,000 fundraising goal quickly snowballed. The pair kept increasing their target as donations poured in – from £1,000, to £3,000, to £5,000 – before finally crossing the finish line with an incredible £6,545 raised for The Christie Charity. The funds will be split equally between prostate cancer, the Teenage & Young Adult Music Room, and the Christie Allsorts campaign.
For Stan, the challenge was more than just a test of stamina. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2024, he underwent extensive radiotherapy at The Christie in Oldham earlier this year.
“They’ve spent a lot of money on me, now it’s time to pay that back,” he said before the walk.
The inspiration came during a difficult time. Just before Christmas, after receiving his diagnosis, Stan quietly escaped to Scotland to gather his thoughts.
“I did the cowardly thing and went away to avoid telling people,” he admitted. “While I was up there, I stayed near Melrose where the walk begins and did the first leg on my own. It just felt right. I thought this is the one for me.”
When he later floated the idea of a full fundraising trek, his old friend Lee didn’t hesitate to step up.
“Lee’s ex-military, he can read maps, drag me out of ditches, and get me where I need to be,” Stan joked.
Lee and Stan at Maxton Church
The journey itself was every bit as gruelling as expected. The first three days went to plan, though the second day proved the toughest, with 20 miles between accommodations and a climb to just over 1,200 feet after already trekking 15 miles.
“The wildlife was amazing, the scenery beautiful, and the peace and quiet mind-blowing,” Stan said. “Seldom did we see a soul – but when we did, people often donated straight away using the QR code on our shirts.”
But halfway through, Stan faced a remarkable dilemma. Not only was he in the middle of the walk, but he also plays for Lancashire Over-60s 2nd XI, who had unexpectedly reached the semi-finals of the national competition.
“I couldn’t let my teammates down, nor could I abandon the walk,” he explained. So, on the fourth day, he set off at 4.30am to drive nearly 400 miles south to Surrey, played in the semi-final, which Lancashire won, then returned north the next day to pick up where he left off.
By then, Lee had pushed ahead, meaning the two friends completed the final legs separately. “It was a shame we couldn’t do the cherished walk across the bay together,” Stan reflected. “But it was still a very poignant moment after a hectic, draining, but most enjoyable week.”
One of the many seals on Lindisfarne
The most emotional point of all came on Holy Island itself. Just as Stan completed the final stretch of St Cuthbert’s Way, his phone pinged with the news: “Target reached, Stan – well done.”
His Lancashire teammates, who had been following his progress closely, deliberately timed their donations so that the £5,000 milestone would be hit while he was still on the ancient pilgrim path. “That was truly memorable,” Stan said. “Worth every blister.”
For those who know Stan and Lee, their determination comes as no surprise. Christine Harrops, who helped coordinate the fundraising, said:
“Well, they did it! They pushed their target higher and higher, and their supportive, generous friends kept giving. To end on £6,545 is incredible. Stan and Lee, you are superhuman.”
Beyond the fundraising total, the pair’s journey has left a lasting legacy of awareness – particularly around prostate cancer. Stan is keen to encourage others to get checked, even if they have no symptoms.
“I had no symptoms at all,” he said. “It was just three separate people who told me, ‘Go get checked.’ Thank God I listened.”
Reflecting on the adventure, Stan summed it up simply: “It was an absolute blast, which has raised £6545 for The Christie Charity, worth every blister, and a real adventure.”
Stan on St. Cuthbert’s way
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The sun shines on magnificent event
