Ashton friends take on epic St Cuthbert’s walk to thank Christie Charity

Two long-time Ashton friends are lacing up their walking boots later this month to take on a 62.5-mile challenge across the Scottish-English border – all in aid of the Christie Charity.

Paul “Stan” Adshead and Lee Hewitt have been friends for over two decades, with their friendship firmly rooted at Ashton Cricket Club. Now, they’re setting off together to walk the St Cuthbert’s Way, a long-distance trail that stretches from Melrose in Scotland to Lindisfarne, also known as Holy Island, in Northumberland.

The trek is more than just a personal challenge – for Stan, it’s a deeply meaningful journey after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2024. He has since undergone extensive radiotherapy treatment at The Christie in Oldham, and now wants to give something back.

“They’ve spent a lot of money on me, now it’s time to pay that back,” Stan told the Reporter. “I knew I wanted to do something to raise money and awareness, and this just felt like the right thing.”

The inspiration for the walk came during a difficult moment. Stan had just received his diagnosis just before Christmas, and, not wanting to burden others during the festive season, quietly took himself off to Scotland.

“I did the cowardly thing and went away to avoid telling people,” he said. “While I was up there, I stayed near Melrose, where the walk begins, and did the first leg on my own. It just felt right. I thought: this is the one for me.”

What followed was months of treatment, reflection, and planning. The idea for the fundraising walk gradually took shape, and Stan’s old friend Lee didn’t hesitate to step up.

“When I said I was looking for someone to come with me, he put his hand up straight away,” Stan said. “Lee’s ex-military, he can read maps, drag me out of ditches, and get me where I need to be!”

The pair’s journey will begin over the August Bank Holiday weekend, setting off from Melrose and following the ancient path once walked by the 7th-century monk and bishop, St Cuthbert.

The route will take them through the Scottish Borders and Northumberland National Park, stopping in places like Lilliard’s Edge, Kirk Yetholm, Wooler, and Beal before crossing the tidal causeway to Holy Island.

“We’ll need to wait for the tide to go out before we can walk across,” Stan laughed. “Then we’ve got to figure out how to get back, because the car will be 60 miles away – so that could be fun!”

For both men, the walk is a chance not only to raise vital funds but also to raise awareness, especially around prostate cancer.

“I had no symptoms at all,” Stan explained. “It was just three separate people who told me, ‘go get checked.’ Thank God I listened.”

While Stan has previously raised £1,400 for prostate cancer charities after losing a friend, this time the money raised will go to the Christie Charity, allowing it to support a broader range of cancer services and patients.

“We didn’t want to raise money just for prostate cancer,” Stan said. “Because so many people are affected by other forms of cancer. Both of my parents had cancer. Both of Lee’s parents too. This is for everyone.”

So far, their fundraiser has already topped over £500, with Stan setting his sights on a £5,000 goal.

“I can’t wait. I need to do this - to lay some ghosts to rest and see if I can really do it physically. I’ve never walked 60-odd miles in one go before, but it’s got to be done.”

And despite all he’s been through, Stan hasn’t let it slow him down.

“I’m still playing cricket, still playing bowls, and still walking – but this will be the ultimate test.”

The Christie is the largest single site cancer centre in Europe and the first UK centre to be accredited as a comprehensive cancer centre. The charity treat more than 60,000 patients a year.

To support Stan and Lee’s walk for The Christie Charity, visit their fundraising page at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/stanley-paul-adshead-4?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socpledgemobile&utm_content=stanley-paul-adshead-4&utm_campaign=post-pledge-mobile&utm_term=6dMZjpY9x

Stan at Ashton Cricket Club.