FROM the Atlantic to the North Sea…Nikolas Hoyland took on one of Britain’s toughest walking challenges and raised £700 for our patient care.
Nikolas, who is 34 and lives in Swallownest, took on the famous Wainwright Coast to Coast Walk, setting off from the Irish Sea coastline at St Bees Head and then tackling 190 miles of walking, passing through the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors before finally arriving at Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea.
Nikolas completed the 16 day walk in memory of his grandfather Bryan, who was a St Luke’s patient.
“St Luke’s has always been my charity of choice because my grandad was a patient and spent the last few months of his life there,” Nikolas explained.
“He was quite adventurous and liked the outdoors and the countryside so doing this walk just seemed like it fits.”
Joining Nikolas for the first five days of the challenge was girlfriend Joanna, with his mum and dad also putting in support along the route, making sure he had the supplies needed to keep him going over the full 16 days.
“It was amazing to get to the end of the challenge,” James admitted after returning home.
“The last few days were eventful - walking through dense fog and cloud, camping in a barn, walking through the sun and even petting about ten kittens at a farm meant it was probably not the most usual of holidays.”
Our Fundraiser Ellie Matthews commented: “This was an incredible achievement and we are very proud of what Nikolas has done for us.
“It was a fantastic tribute to his grandad and one that really will make a great difference to the lives of all St Luke’s patients and their families.”
There is still time to give Nikolas extra support and boost his £700 total by visiting Nikolas