A Sunday stroll: marching cross-country for The Royal Marsden

Ten intrepid Sunday marchers braved the British weather, bemused livestock and a heck of a lot of mud as they strode across the countryside to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

We’ve worked with The Royal Marsden cancer hospital and its charity since 2010, and are proud to take part in The Banham Marsden March, the charity’s annual spring fundraising event – which usually sees thousands of supporters walk 15 miles between The Royal Marsden’s hospitals in Chelsea and Sutton.

The 10^th edition of the march was cancelled last year and, this year, Covid-19 restrictions meant it couldn’t go ahead in its usual format. So we, like many other supporters around the country, chose to walk our own route instead.

Our team donned their walking shoes, Gore-Tex outerwear and rucksacks of sugary snacks and ventured out of the city to tackle the Hangers Way, an undulating route across verdant Hampshire downland.

Setting off from the sleepy town of Petersfield, our walkers climbed the calf-shreddingly steep Shoulder of Mutton Hill, trudged through what seemed like miles of mud and gingerly traversed fields of cowpats, encountering horses, sheep and madly yapping shih tzus along the way.

A welcome pitstop came in the form of a country pub – shepherd’s pie and warm beer never tasted so good – before the final few miles involved wading along a stream and playing a real-life game of Frogger across the A31.

Then, after more than 17 miles of walking and ascending the equivalent of two Shards, our team of trekkers arrived at the finishing line in Alton: aching, wet, muddy, but feeling pretty pleased with their achievement.

Thanks to everyone who sponsored us – your donations will make a huge difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.

We’re aiming to raise £10,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. We’re getting close, but not there just yet, so please head to https://marsdenmarchathome.blackbaud-sites.com/fundraising/SundayAgency to donate and help us smash our target.