Macmillan Mighty Hikes, the cancer charity’s iconic hiking series, is back for 2024 and aiming to raise more than ever before to help fund Macmillan’s vital range of support services for people living with cancer.
Mighty Hikes are a series of one-day half and full marathon fundraising hikes, running from May through to September in some of the most beautiful parts of the UK.
Building on the success of last year, Macmillan Mighty Hikes will be taking place in 15 stunning locations across the UK this year, including two brand-new hiking routes in Eryri (Snowdonia) and London.
Last year, 30,000 people walked over 450,000 miles between them to raise £11.45 million as part of the Mighty Hikes series, all with their own reasons for taking part.
Kathy Marcangelo, 60, from Hertfordshire, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and is now living cancer-free. She has completed the Thames Path Mighty Hike three times.
“Having sadly had two siblings diagnosed with cancer, one of which I lost six months prior to my own diagnosis, I wanted to give something back to Macmillan as the support they gave me when I needed it most, was really invaluable.
Being keen walkers, my good friend Bridget and I have now completed the Thames Path Mighty Hike together on three occasions. It’s become somewhat of a special tradition for us now – we love it!
“The Macmillan Mighty Hikes are a must-do for anyone looking to take on a challenge this year in some of the most breath-taking parts of the UK.
The atmosphere is really wonderful, and you get to meet some truly incredible people along the way, all whilst raising vital funds to support Macmillan.”
This year, Macmillan is calling on people across the UK to take on one of its 15 events, with every penny raised helping to ensure the charity can continue doing whatever it takes to support people living with cancer, through its range of physical, financial and emotional support.
Lauren Sanders, Senior Marketing Manager – Mighty Hikes at Macmillan Cancer Support, says:
“We’re incredibly grateful to all our amazing supporters who took on the challenge of a Macmillan Mighty Hike last year in some truly beautiful locations across the UK.
Every penny raised will help us to provide vital emotional, physical and financial support for people living with cancer when they need it most.
“We can’t wait to get back out on the trails this year, with some new locations and routes added and we’d love for as many people as possible to join us.”
Where does the money go?
Macmillan is almost entirely funded by generous public donations, and the vital funds raised through Mighty Hikes will help the charity to continue doing whatever it takes to support people living with cancer, through a range of physical, financial and emotional support. This could include:
- £264 – This could pay for a Macmillan Support Worker for two days.
- £420 – This could pay for a medium Macmillan benefits advice service for one day.
- £1,202 – This could pay for a Macmillan nurse for one week.
Who is the official partner for 2024?
Macmillan is proud to have Santander as its official partner for Macmillan Mighty Hikes 2024. Following a vote by thousands of Santander staff across the UK, Macmillan was delighted to become Santander’s national Charity Partner for 2022-2024.
In addition to supporting the delivery of Mighty Hikes, Macmillan is working together with Santander to provide financial support and improve banking services for people living with and affected by cancer throughout the UK.
How can people get involved?
Join thousands of hikers and take on a Mighty Hike challenge for people living with cancer in 2024 by visiting macmillan.org.uk/mightyhikes
Choose from 15 Mighty Hikes, either a full or half marathon, across some of the UK’s most breathtaking landscapes.
All fundraisers will receive:
- A free Macmillan walking top
- A clearly marked route
- Regular refuelling stops with snacks and drinks
- Medical assistance
- A free buffet lunch
- Finisher’s medal and bubbly
All Mighty Hikers can visit the Macmillan website for effective fundraising ideas, as well as some top tips to prepare and train for the event.
Fundraisers can also join a private Facebook group for their event to meet their teammates and to get fundraising and training advice from Mighty Hikers old and new.
For more information on tips and access to Mighty Hikes Facebook event groups, visit the Macmillan website here.