A CHOCOLATIER is part of a team who are going to walk non-stop for more than 60 miles to raise money for a brave young boy with cancer.
Carlisle man Keith Tattershall is going to be walking the distance, alongside 29 others, to raise money for Oliver Lancaster, the 11-month-old child of his employee Michael Lancaster, and three charities.
Oliver was diagnosed with immediate-risk neuroblastoma – a rare form of cancer - in March this year and has been through four courses of chemotherapy.
Keith is organising a charity walk from his chocolate shop Castle Chocolates in Carlisle to Newcastle RVI, the clinic that has administered treatment and offered support for Oliver.
A £20,000 target has been set for the challenge, with some proceeds going to the parents to help with regular trips to the RVI, staying in Newcastle while treatment is carried out, and to help offset their reduced ability to work due to being Oliver’s full-time carers.
Money will also go to three charities: Young Lives Versus Cancer, Children’s Cancer North and Neuroblastoma UK.
Keith said of the upcoming 63-mile journey: “I’ve been doing training, doing 20 miles at a time and the dog is loving it, so we’ve been out for long walks.”
Keith said that even though the walk could take up to 36 hours, he is not going to stop off to sleep at a hotel anywhere, and will walk continuously until he reaches Newcastle RVI.
There is also a half-distance option for anyone wanted to take part but does not want to walk through the night.
He added: “The walk is going to take place on July 16, we’re setting off at 9am and we’ll be there for 11pm the next day.
“We’ve got a support group with cars meeting us along the way but it started out as just me, then others joined in to help.
“I’ve got friends and family helping out, but also general members of the public who just want to help out and we’ve opened it up to anyone who wants to join in."
People can still join in and help out and if they want to they should let Keith know by visiting his shop or messaging the Team Oliver Facebook page.
To donate to this fundraiser, click here.
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