HIKE4HOPEY CELEBRATION

Friends, family and supporters joined Scott Hope and the Hike4Hopey walkers on Sunday (21st May) in Newcastle for a fundraising dinner and celebration of everything they have achieved together.

Scott Hope with Lady Elsie

Lady Elsie and son, Andrew, were among the guests who enjoyed a fantastic night at the Boiler Shop in Newcastle with live music from Paul Brydon, a club night by Guilty Pleasures and food by Longhorns Barbecue Smokehouse.

Hosted by Mick Edmondson, the sell-out event featured a wide range of auction and raffle prizes donated by a host of local businesses and supporters.

The event celebrated Hike4Hopey, a testing fundraising challenge which involved walking from Ipswich to Newcastle – all 333 miles – in memory of Lee Hope, a Control Firefighter from Newcastle.

Lee died last year aged just 33 leaving a wife, Amy Richardson and a young daughter, Livia.

The walk, between Sir Bobby’s statue at Portman Road, home of Ipswich Town, and his statue at St James’ Park, lasted 12 days and pushed walkers to the limit of their endurance.

Lee Hope with daughter Livia

It was organised by Lee’s brother, Scott Hope, and Scott gave an emotional speech to guests at the Boiler Shop about his brother, sharing funny stories about Lee’s love of football and fear of flying.

He also talked about you the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation was the charity Lee wanted to support – and why it has become so important to him, too.

In his speech, Scott said: “The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation are funding clinical trials now that will be the cancer treatments of the future. That’s why it is so, so important.

Lady Elsie thanking Lee and Scott’s Nana

“These treatments may not have been able to help Lee, but there is another Lee-like figure out there now going through exactly the same thing and surely they deserve a fighting chance.

“I was lucky enough to be invited to a Sir Bobby Robson Foundation fundraiser back in August and I really thought, this is something I can get behind. I can really make a difference.

“Fast forward ten months and I was lying in bed having just walked 333 miles from Ipswich to Newcastle and I thought, yes, I am making a difference.

Lady Elsie with the Hike4Hopey walkers at St James’ Park

“Everyone who took a step with me on the hike, whether it was for a few hours, a few days or the entire hike. And to those who formed the support network we needed. To you all, well done, you made a difference.

“To all the people who sent us messages of support on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, anyone who donated, congratulations, you have all made a difference.

“And to everyone in attendance tonight, all of you single one of you who put your hands in your pockets this evening, thank you. You are making a difference.”

A standing ovation for Scott Hope at the Boiler Shop

Scott then invited Lady Elsie on to the stage and she was proud and grateful to receive a cheque for £38,200 on behalf of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Our thanks to everyone who has given Hike4Hopey such wonderful support this year.