Uncategorised

Rupert Lycett-Green and his dog Spot complete 125 mile trek for Pancreatic Cancer Action

photo 2

Rupert Lycett-Green and his Jack Russell, Spot, have completed their 125-mile walk for Pancreatic Cancer Action by arriving at his final destination bang on schedule.

Rupert, 77, who is a former Savile Row Tailor and Designer braved changing weather conditions during the ten-day trek which culminated in the picturesque Northumberland village of Ingram.

The walk was in memory of his “beautiful, funny and kind” wife Candida who died of pancreatic cancer in August 2014, nine months after diagnosis.  Candida Lycett-Green was a British journalist and author who wrote sixteen books including Over the Hills and Far Away  – the inspiration for Rupert and Spot’s walk across the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland National Park.   

The final section of the trek, completed on Tuesday 10th May, saw them hike 14 miles from the village of Hepple for nearly 6 hours.

He has already raised over £56,000 for the charity and during the walk, he was joined by acclaimed ceramic designer Emma Bridgwater and photographer Christopher Sykes en route.

After completing the walking challenge on the tenth day, Rupert said he was “exhausted and numb” but the incredible amount donated to the cause motivated him throughout.

He said: “I’m grateful for all the support that I’ve received from so many generous people. The most important thing was to raise a lot of money for Pancreatic Cancer Action because I truly believe that early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is key to improving survival.   The small charity does a huge amount to help raise awareness, educate medical professionals and fund research.

“I feel Candida would have been proud of me and I’m pretty sure my children think it’s good.”

The most difficult stretch of the challenge was on 4th May when Rupert and Spot walked 19 miles from Reeth to Barnard Castle.  Rupert continues: “I was in pain as I harrumphed and hollered along.  I had to sit down at the side of the lane and clutched my back. A car stopped and a concerned couple got out and asked if I was having a heart attack.  Soon my son John arrived in the van with a back support and painkillers.”

The route began at Bolton Abbey on 1st May when the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire joined Rupert at the launch the walk and a team of 27 people, including Edward Fox, joined Rupert for the first day.

Ali Stunt, chief executive of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “Walking long distances ten days in a row is tough and he’s been amazing to complete it in time. What a fantastic thing to do for Pancreatic Cancer Action.

“He knows where that his fundraising will go towards helping improve outcomes for pancreatic cancer, which has been chronically underfunded and little known for so long.”

If you would like to find out more and donate to this very worthy cause, you can visit spotandrupert.co.uk.

For more information on pancreatic cancer and its symptoms, please visit www.pancreaticcanceraction.org or call 0303 040 1770.