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Third Howard's Way Walk to Top 100 Miles

The third annual Howard’s Way Walk will this year cover a 100-mile stretch of the South Downs Way, taking place over the May Day bank holiday weekend, 30 April–3 May.

Inspired by freelance logistics manager Howard Kerr, who lost his life in 2008 to Pancreatic Cancer, the Howard’s Way Walk has attracted members of the events industry to attempt what will be their longest fund-raising walk ventured to date.  Starting from Winchester Cathedral, the 100-mile walk will be undertaken in three and a half days, ending at Wish Tower, Eastbourne. 

Howard’s brother-in-law Nick Grecian, Managing Director of events crewing firm Gallowglass, will be accompanied by industry friends and supporters – many of whom joined Howard’s walk along Hadrian’s Wall in 2009 and the Ridgeway in 2008.  Among this year’s 33 participants are: event and PR entrepreneur, Simon Burton; Caroline Clift, Editor of Stand Out magazine; Lee Farrant, Partner, RPM and Eventia CEO, Izania Downie. 

Says Nick Grecian: “This is not simply a charity fund-raising initiative. Following Howard’s original diagnosis, we learned that 75% of pancreatic cancer sufferers die within six months of diagnosis and only three percent survive more than five years.  Research into pancreatic cancer is woefully underfunded, and the events industry has now lost several valued friends and colleagues to this insidious killer. 

“The donations we have raised to date have funded a PHD Studentship Award for a researcher at Barts Hospital’s Institute of Cancer, and our ongoing mission is to continue the funding of his work.” 

Fundraising activity in 2008 and 2009 produced a total of £120,000. The objective for this year’s Howard’s Way Walk is £60,000. 

Adds Grecian: “Once again Land Rover are generously providing support vehicles for the Walk, and we’re really hoping for additional sponsorship.   We’ve put together a number of £250 packages, to cover necessities ranging from medical support to cake, via transport and physiotherapy. So far, RPM, The Direct Clothing Company, Arena Seating and Gallowglass have contributed, but there’s scope for plenty more.” 

Full details about the Howard’s Way Walk can be found on www.howardswaywalk.co.uk.  Sponsorship offers will be gratefully accepted by Nick Grecian at Gallowglass.