A gruelling canal walk from Leeds to Llangollen has captured hearts across North Wales after raising tens of thousands of pounds for Nightingale House Hospice in memory of Sarah Bather.
203-Mile Challenge
Sarah’s husband, Eddie Bather organised the 203-mile challenge, following her death from end-stage liver cancer. Sarah received a devastating prognosis of just one to two weeks to live after her diagnosis, but her family say she faced the illness with extraordinary courage and determination.
The walk held special meaning for the family. It began in Leeds, where Sarah was born, and finished in Llangollen, where she spent the later part of her life. Eddie’s brother Mike and Sarah’s sisters Becky and Beth also took part in the walk as they followed the canal network over nine days.
Together, the group covered nearly 23 miles every day and tackled 116 locks along the route. The physical challenge was designed to reflect the battle Sarah herself faced during her illness.
Writing on the family’s JustGiving page, Eddie explained that Sarah often described ordinary daily activities as feeling “like running a marathon” as the cancer progressed. He said the family wanted to honour that strength and resilience by taking on a challenge that pushed them physically and mentally.
Nightingale House Hospice
Eddie also paid tribute to the support provided by Nightingale House Hospice. Although Sarah never stayed at the hospice itself, she insisted on registering with the service so the family could access support if they needed it.
The hospice provides specialist palliative care and support for families across the region. In the fundraising appeal, Eddie described the organisation as “fantastic” and said the family wanted to “turn something awful into a positive” by raising money to help others facing similar circumstances.
The walk quickly gained attention online, with supporters following the team’s progress across social media and donating throughout the journey. By the end of the challenge, the fundraising total had passed £28,000 – far exceeding the family’s original £10,000 target.
Along the way, walkers battled sore feet, exhaustion and changing weather conditions, but supporters regularly joined sections of the route to encourage the team onwards. Local businesses and residents also helped by offering refreshments, accommodation and donations.
A Moving Tribute
The challenge has become a moving tribute not only to Sarah’s life, but also to the role charities such as Nightingale House Hospice play for families during the most difficult moments imaginable.
Eddie signed the fundraising appeal with the phrase “Love and magical sensations” – words that have now become closely associated with the walk and the spirit in which it was completed.
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