In July this year, Ryan Scandrett from Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands completed his second annual Hallow 12 challenge, walking almost 30 miles in one day for charity, with a group of 11 friends and family members.
Ryan was joined by Aaron Pick (cousin); Liam Scandrett (brother); Robert Wheeler (uncle); Daniel McGinley; Mark Sheldon; Anthony Joseph; Matthew Grifferty; Karl Moore; Stephen Colley and James Dugmore on a hike through 12 parishes of Worcestershire in support of national asbestos-related cancer charity, Mesothelioma UK.
Ryan’s friend, Will Jones, couldn’t join the group as he was away with the RAF in Cyprus but supported by running a marathon there with his friend, Stephen Jenkins on the same day.
The group raised almost £12,000 through their fundraising efforts.
Supporting Emily-Jane and other mesothelioma patients
Mesothelioma UK is close to Ryan’s heart as his wife, Emily-Jane was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2023. Read more about Emily-Jane’s journey here
Commenting on his fundraising efforts, Ryan says: “A few of us participated in the Hallow 12 challenge in 2024 MUK, including Emily-Jane, fellow mesothelioma patient, Sue Farrall and other Mesothelioma UK colleagues. It was really, really hard and even put Emily-Jane in hospital for a few days afterwards!
“This year’s event was on the hottest day of the year but our friends and family really stepped up – they all know what Mesothelioma UK have done for Emily-Jane, me and our family – and all wanted to help.
“When Emily-Jane first received her diagnosis, we really weren’t aware of what it all meant so it was amazing to be able to lean on the support of our local clinical nurse specialist, Sophie in the West Midlands and have someone from Mesothelioma UK at the end of the phone to answer our questions.
“My parents in Spain are now organising a fundraiser and friends are involved with the touring cricket side, Birmingham Nomads who are also supporting Mesothelioma UK. Everybody is helping out.
“Now, we’re looking into next year’s mission – we may carry on with the Hallow 12 as it’s become a bit of a tradition but my team of friends really want to go for it with the next challenge so we’re also looking at physically challenging options such as the Three Peaks or the 40-mile Hallow 12.
“People’s generosity for our fundraising was phenomenal but we would really like to get more people and local businesses involved to drive support for this amazing cause and help people like Emily-Jane.”
There for every step of the way
Liz Darlison, Chief Executive of Mesothelioma UK adds: “Emily-Jane is an absolute inspiration. Whilst undergoing treatment, she has been very active on social media, conducting high profile media interviews and campaigning to help us raise awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. Ryan has supported her every step of the way – literally in the case of the Hallow 12 challenge!
“We want to thank everyone in Ryan’s group who took part in the Hallow 12 challenge. Your dedication, spirit and generosity is inspiring, and every step taken has helped to raise vital funds and awareness for our cause.”
If you would like to get involved in Ryan’s fundraising or start your own challenges, please contact the Mesothelioma UK fundraising team at fu*********@*************uk.com
