Austin Hill crossed the finish line yesterday (30 May) in his month-long trek. The seven-year-old has walked a mile or more every day in May in memory of his dad, Mark.
To the cheers of family, friends, and staff he ended his feat at Dr Kershaw's Hospice in Royton, Oldham, where his dad was cared for.
In 2021, Mark was diagnosed with bowel cancer and tragically the teacher, who worked at Radclyffe School in Chadderton, died on December 30th last year.
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But inspirational Austin has been determined to pay tribute to his father and say thank to you to those who helped him. He walked to raise funds for the hospice where Mark spent his final days.
The Hospice brought last Christmas forward so he could spend precious special time with his dad. His treks with his best friend, Ollie Tighe, have raised £1,561 for Dr Kershaw's and £3,092 for Bowel Cancer UK. Find out how you can donate below.
Adele Doherty, Kershaw's Chief Executive, said: "I’d like to say a huge thank you to Austin and his best friend Ollie. It was fantastic to welcome them to the Hospice, and it was amazing to see them finishing their fundraising while being cheered on by our team.
"Our staff and volunteers go above and beyond, and the reason they do it is because of inspirational people like Austin. His dedication to his challenge and to our Hospice means so much to our patients and their families." After the Manchester Evening News first covered Austin's story, an extra £450 was donated to Dr Kershaw's online.
Austin's mum, Karen, 44, said: "I'm so proud of him. He keeps saying to me now we have raised money 'will the scientists be able to get people well and look after them now'. He has walked after school - the aim was a mile a day in May for Mark.
"He did walks near where we live in High Crompton and others were more organised as people wanted to join us at Tandle Hill in Royton and around Hollingworth Lake. He has already completed his 31 miles - one for each day of the month - but we are carrying on."
Karen and Austin felt compelled to help the Hospice after the kindness and understanding staff showed them when caring for Mark. Karen said: "Mark was at home last December - just taking paracetamol. His chemotherapy was no longer working and the doctors at Christie had said go home and live as much as you can. But he woke up one morning in pain and was admitted to Dr Kershaw's on December 19th. We were told he might not make Christmas.
"The staff were amazing. They brought in a Christmas tree into Mark's room and we had Christmas early on December 20th. We exchanged special presents - I bought Mark a Tag watch, which was intended for him to pass down to Austin to wear one day, and he gave me a ring. He bought Austin a clown filled with sweets.
"The last time Austin saw his dad was Christmas Day. Mark died on December 30. But thanks to the Hospice Austin was still able to share some of the magic of Christmas time with his dad."
Call to Action: To support Austin’s fundraising and help more families to have special lasting memories together, visit: www.drkh.org.uk/donate and type in reason for donation: Austin’s Walk.
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