Mighty Hikes are a series of one-day half and full marathon fundraising hikes, running from May through to September in some of the most beautiful parts of the UK. Building on the success of last year, Macmillan Mighty Hikes will be taking place in 15 stunning locations across the UK this year, including two brand new hiking routes in Eryri (Snowdonia) and London.
Last year, 30,000 people walked over 450,000 miles between them to raise £11.45 million as part of the Mighty Hikes series, all with their own reasons for taking part.
Paula Clarke, 55 from Carway, Carmarthenshire, completed the Jurassic Coast Mighty Hike in 2021 alongside her sister in memory of their father, and friend Hetty who Paula had supported for six years as a Macmillan Carmarthenshire Support buddy.
“Our Macmillan Mighty Hike was very challenging, but ever so rewarding. The scenery was amazing, the marshals provided some much-needed encouragement when we faced some challenging hills, and it was inspiring to be surrounded by so many positive people with a shared attitude and goal.
“It was such an emotional day, but an honour to walk in memory of our father and Hetty. Taking part in the Mighty Hike gave us the chance to give back to Macmillan and raise an incredible £1,000 to support people living with cancer. We would love to complete another Mighty Hike in the future, and I know that it will happen again one day for sure.”
This year, Macmillan is calling on people across the UK to take on one of its 15 events, with every penny raised helping to ensure the charity can continue doing whatever it takes to support people living with cancer, through its range of physical, financial and emotional support.
Lauren Sanders, Senior Marketing Manager – Mighty Hikes at Macmillan Cancer Support, says:
“We’re incredibly grateful to all our amazing supporters who took on the challenge of a Macmillan Mighty Hike last year in some truly beautiful locations across the UK. Every penny raised will help us to provide vital emotional, physical and financial support for people living with cancer, when they need it most.
“We can’t wait to get back out on the trails this year, with some new locations and routes added and we’d love for as many people as possible to join us.”
Where does the money go?
Macmillan is almost entirely funded by generous public donations, and the vital funds raised through Mighty Hikes will help the charity to continue doing whatever it takes to support people living with cancer, through a range of physical, financial and emotional support. This could include:
- £264 – This could pay for a Macmillan Support Worker for two days.
- £420 – This could pay for a medium Macmillan benefits advice service for one day.
- £1,202 – This could pay for a Macmillan nurse for one week.
Who is the official partner for 2024?
Macmillan is proud to have Santander as its official partner for Macmillan Mighty Hikes 2024. Following a vote by thousands of Santander staff across the UK, Macmillan was delighted to become Santander’s national Charity Partner for 2022-2024.
In addition to supporting the delivery of Mighty Hikes, Macmillan is working together with Santander to provide financial support and improve banking services for people living with and affected by cancer throughout the UK.
How can people get involved?
Join thousands of hikers and take on a Mighty Hike challenge for people living with cancer in 2024 by visiting macmillan.org.uk/mightyhikes
Choose from 15 Mighty Hikes, either a full or half marathon, across some of the UK’s most breath-taking landscapes.
All fundraisers will receive:
- A free Macmillan walking top
- A clearly marked route
- Regular refueling stops with snacks and drinks
- Medical assistance
- A free buffet lunch
- Finisher’s medal and bubbly
All Mighty Hikers can visit the Macmillan website for effective fundraising ideas, as well as some top tips to prepare and train for the event.
Fundraisers can also join a private Facebook group for their event to meet their teammates and to get fundraising and training advice from Mighty Hikers old and new.
For more information on tips and access to Mighty Hikes Facebook event groups, visit the Macmillan website here.
