This August, Olly Newton hiked 100km over five days in loving memory of his ‘adopted dad’ Michael Grayson, raising over £1,300 to give back to St Luke’s for the care he received.

The journey from Melrose in Northumberland to Holy Island has been named by Olly as his ‘pilgrimage’; a fitting tribute for Mike who had a deep faith, a love of the outdoors and a special connection with that part of the world.

Olly carried with him on his journey a wooden cross that was given to Mike by the St Luke’s Chaplain, Jo. He was holding this when he died peacefully at St Luke’s Hospice, after his health deteriorated.

“Mike was a man of faith who loved the outdoors so it felt like a pilgrimage would be the right way to celebrate his life,” says Olly.

“Mike was one of the kindest and most gentle men who had such a positive influence on mine and my family’s life. I was proud to call him my ‘adopted dad’.”

Sadly, after a lifetime working in and around Sheffield, Mike developed asbestosis and eventually was cared for by St Luke’s at the end of his life.

“He was his happy, kind self right until the end - thanks to the amazing care he received from his wife Sylvia and from the incredible team at St Luke’s Hospice,” says Olly.

“The amazing staff at St Luke’s give people the best endings to their stories, and their families a sense of peace and care in really tough times. They not only looked after Mike but took great care of Sylvia, their dog Vance, myself and all the other visitors.”

Olly’s hike was dedicated not only to Mike but also to his beloved dog, Vance, who had been a constant companion throughout his life and died not long after Mike.

“It’s been a pleasure to spend time outdoors and feel Mike close by. It’s also been a huge pleasure to raise funds for St Luke’s. As a family, we can’t thank the team – both at the hospice, and at Ecclesall Road South - enough for their kindness and amazing support across the years where Mike’s health was declining all the way through to the end.”

“St Luke’s rely largely on donations to do their work so it would be wonderful if you could consider supporting them so they can help more wonderful people like Mike.”

Olly has raised over £1,300 for St Luke’s so far. To support him, you can donate to his JustGiving page by visiting: www.justgiving.com/page/mike-grayson-pilgrimage

1. Mike and his beloved dog, Vance

2. Olly Newton on his pilgrimage for Mike

3. Mike enjoying the St Luke's Singing Group

4. Mike Grayson

5. Olly carried with him on his journey a wooden cross that was given to Mike by St Luke's