Paul Oliver and Joe Harley, colleagues and friends, have committed to raising £5,000 in aid of Cancer Research UK by taking on the West Highland Way in May 2025 – a gruelling route that challenges the body and mind.
To add to the challenge, they will be wild camping along the way.
Talking to Geneveive Smith, local relationship manager for Cancer Research UK, they explained why they were embarking on this huge fundraising challenge.
Cancer has touched their lives in profound ways. Both Paul and Joe have seen loved ones battle this relentless disease, and the impact on their families has been lasting and deep. Watching their loved ones endure the pain and uncertainty of cancer has been incredibly challenging, and it has motivated them to act.
Having had another family member recently diagnosed, Paul felt like he had to do something. He said: "It's that helpless feeling, I guess. I don’t really know, but I had to do something. Then it’s a matter of what can I do?
"I spent a couple of weeks thinking about it and talking to my wife about what I could do. I really toyed with the idea of a marathon but ruled it out as it didn’t feel big enough. I wanted to engage people and get as many donations as possible. It got me thinking about covering longer distances, and a Google search for a 100-mile hike turned into the West Highland Way."
Joe added: "This 96-mile walk along the West Highland Way is more than just a fundraising effort; it’s a mission to raise awareness about cancer prevention and the importance of early detection too.
"We believe that by sharing our journey, we can inspire others to take proactive steps in their own lives and support the fight against cancer.
"Our walk is a tribute to those we’ve lost and a beacon of hope for those still fighting. We want to show that even in the face of adversity, we can come together to make a difference.
"We want people to join us on this journey, laugh with us through our poorly scripted TikTok videos, and support us as we train and walk to make a difference. Encouragement and contributions will not only help fund critical research but also spread the message that some cancers are preventable, and early detection can save lives."
Since deciding on the challenge, Paul and Joe set about preparing for the trek and are documenting their journey on social media. Their unscripted and candid posts reveal the huge challenge ahead of them but also their commitment to achieving their fundraising goal. They are supported by their families, friend’s colleagues and even a high profile professional footballer!
To help make this campaign a success, Paul and Joe are calling for support.
Paul said: "Please engage with our content, share our story, and, if you can, donate. Every penny counts towards life-saving research and funding critical projects across the UK.
"Your support can help us reach our goal and bring us closer to a world where cancer is no longer a threat."
Paul & Joe’s Just Giving page
Follow the duo’s progress on Tik Tok or Instagram