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Published: 11/03/2010

Walk this way to raise funds for cancer research

For the third year, members of the event industry are to take part in a fundraising walk in memory of a former freelance logistics manager. Howard Kerr lost his battle against pancreatic cancer in 2008 and the now annual ‘Howard’s Way Walk’ was launched by Kerr’s brother-in-law, Nick Grecian, who is also MD of events crewing firm Gallowglass.

This year the walk will be the longest yet, covering a 100-mile stretch of the South Downs Way. Starting from Winchester Cathedral, the walk will be undertaken in three and a half days over the May Day bank holiday weekend, ending at Wish Tower, Eastbourne.

Grecian 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; editor of Stand Out magazine Caroline Clift; partner at RPM Lee Farrant and Eventia CEO Izania Downie.

Grecian said: “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.

Grecian added: “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.



Walking Hadrian’s Wall in 2009, from left to right: Nick Grecian, Gallowglass; Joe O’Neill, Arena Seating; Simon Burton, event and PR entrepreneur; Aaron Timms, Leading Edge Design; Matt Storey, Gallowglass