A SKIPTON man is due to set off tomorrow (Saturday) in a 100-mile walk back home from Liverpool in memory of his brother, who died from a rare cancer.

Chris Metcalfe lost his brother Rob Metcalfe in February 2022, four years after he was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a type of soft tissue sarcoma cancer.

Rob was  just 29 years old when he was diagnosed. In January 2019, he had surgery to remove a tumour from the soft tissue of his left lung. Unfortunately, the tumour grew back and within five weeks of the surgery it spread around his lungs, heart and windpipe. In February 2022, surrounded by his family, Rob passed away peacefully at home. His son Caleb was only four at the time.

This weekend’s walk, which Chris expects to do in 36 hours,  is just one of several challenges he has undertaken for charity Sarcoma UK in honour of his brother. He has climbed the Yorkshire Three Peaks in eight hours, skydived in the Lake District, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, and ran the London Marathon. Last November, Sarcoma UK awarded him the Gaz Emmerson Fundraiser of the Year Award at a ceremony at 10 Downing Street.

Chris said: “After Rob was diagnosed with terminal cancer, we enjoyed walking up some of our local hills, including Pendle Hill, Penyghent, his beloved Embsay Crag several times, and the last peak we climbed together was Ben Nevis in October 2020, I really want to help make a difference and by keeping the walking theme going we are continuing to take on walking challenges in Rob’s memory and to raise vital funds for Sarcoma UK.”

Sarcoma UK’s Chief Executive, Richard Davidson, said: "Chris Metcalfe's 100-mile walk from Liverpool to Skipton in memory of his late brother Rob is an incredible endeavour.

"Challenges like this are important for raising awareness about sarcoma and generating funds for critical research and support for sarcoma patients and their families. Too many families have had their lives upended by a sarcoma diagnosis and the heartbreaking loss it can bring. Rob's story of leaving behind a young son and so much unfulfilled potential is all too familiar in the sarcoma community. We are grateful for Chris's inspirational efforts, which will undoubtedly make a difference for patients and their loved ones impacted by this disease. We are behind him every step of this 100-mile journey.”

To support Chris Metcalfe’s  challenge and to contribute to Sarcoma UK, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/chrismeccas