In June, a team of walkers will be taking on the challenge of completing all 20 GM Ringway stages in just over a fortnight in aid of Cancer Research.

Designed to raise funds specifically to support the fight against ovarian cancer, the event is being undertaken by a group in memory of their friend, Jen Jackson, who sadly passed from the condition last year.

The idea of the fundraising walk came from Jen’s husband, Phil, while walking along a deserted beach in Western Australia shortly after Jen’s passing.

Upon returning to the UK, Phil discussed the idea with friends, and one of them – Andy Walker – suggested basing it on the 200-mile GM Ringway trail.

As a result, the ‘OVA THE HILLS’ charity hike was born, and now a 15-strong team are in training to take on all 20 stages of the GM Ringway trail in only 15 days. With the walk planned to start on June 11^th, the aim is to finish the challenge on June 25^th, exactly one year on from Jen’s passing.

To help the group get to and from each of the start and finish points, a local football club, Curzon Ashton FC, has promised them use of the club’s minibus. In addition, two of Curzon Ashton FC’s directors have announced they plan to join the walk at certain stages along the way.

The GM Ringway Association are also helping to promote the event, and have granted the group permission to adapt the GM Ringway logo to help them publicise it.

Anybody interested in following the progress of the OVA THE HILLS charity hike can access its Facebook page here.

To find out more about the background to the walk, the person whose memory has inspired it, Jen Jackson, and/or to donate to the Cancer Research OVA THE HILLS charity fund, go here.