26 July 2022

£750 raised in 32 degree heat

Having hiked 26 miles in 32 degree heat, a Portsmouth store manager is passing on his thanks to all his colleagues and customers who supported him.

Steve Collins, who works at The Co-operative Food in Winter Road, took part in the MacMillan Cancer Mighty Hike along the Thames on 16 July.

Thanks to donations from store colleagues, fellow Southern Co-op store managers and customers, he raised £750 for the cancer charity alongside his wife Annie.

Steve said: "I'm 59 years old now so I don't sprint but it was hard as temperatures were approaching 32 degrees as we walked the 26 miles from Windsor to Henley on Thames along the banks of the Thames.

"We also did the walk last year on the hottest day of the year!

"We both have family and friends who have either been taken by this horrendous disease or are currently battling it. Walking along with 1,500 other people, you see people with photos of loved ones they have lost.

"At the end of the day, we feel like we are making a difference by raising this money and taking part in the walk. The most enjoyable thing is seeing the amount you have raised. Thank you for everyone's support. I hope it has done some good."

The event itself raised around £1,500,000 on the day for Macmillan which is one of the largest British charities and provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer.