PWS’ CEO Mark Stephenson and his son Oli joined Sir Ian Botham in April for his special 25th anniversary walk in support of leukaemia and lymphoma research. Walking 15 miles daily for 10 consecutive days through 10 towns, Mark and Oli completed the entire challenge with Sir Ian.

An incredible £600,000 was raised for the charity, and many well-known sportsmen and celebrities supported the event, including Freddie Flintoff, Darren Gough, Nasser Hussain, Steve Cram, John Francome, Mike Gatt and Chris Tarrant. Conservative leader and now Prime Minister David Cameron also took part, and each day 200 members of the public walked a four-mile leg along the way. Towns on the route included Manchester, Bristol, Reading, culminating in Hyde Park in London.

 Says Mark: “I was extremely proud to take part in the event following my involvement in 2008 when I was privileged to be the only person who walked the entire distance, and was honoured that Oli could also share the experience this time. This year not only marked Sir Ian’s 25th anniversary walk but also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the leukaemia and lymphoma charity, so it really was a landmark event.”

Since his first legendary walk from John O’ Groats to Land’s End, Sir Ian has been dedicated to beating childhood leukaemia. In 1985 only 20% of children survived the most common form of childhood leukaemia – now 90% survive this disease. But there are still children for whom the outlook is not so good, and Sir Ian is determined to make sure every child survives leukaemia.

Sir Ian, who is president of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research, says: “My walk in 2010 was extra special for me as it marked 25 years since I did my first walk and also the 50th birthday for the charity. I never forget why I put myself through the pain and blisters and it is my aim that every child diagnosed with one of these blood cancers will survive.”

Donations are still gratefully accepted at www.beefy25.com
www.llresearch.org.uk