A man who had to relearn to walk is preparing to take on the Peak District Ultra Challenge to raise thousands of pounds for charity after life-altering surgery.
Nathan Chilton, 39, who lives in Stockport, will tackle the demanding 75km distance of the endurance event on July 4-5, 2026, as part of a fundraising drive with a target of £5,000. Originally from Derbyshire, Nathan moved to Greater Manchester at the end of 2021 ahead of major surgery that would change his life.
Nathan is taking on the challenge after more than a decade of medical battles following his diagnosis with a chondroblastoma, a rare bone tumour, in 2013.
Nathan said: “I am doing this challenge to prove to myself that anything is possible after life-changing events. I was told that I would find it difficult to walk, that I might never walk without a stick. In 2022 I couldn’t take one step, on the 4th of July I will be taking 120,000.”
Although his tumour is non-cancerous, Nathan’s journey has mirrored that of sarcoma patients, involving specialist care, repeated scans and multiple surgeries. He has undergone three major operations, including a life-altering procedure in January 2022 which involved removing 75 per cent of the right side of his pelvis and replacing it with a titanium implant.
Recovery has been long and challenging, both physically and mentally. Nathan has had to relearn how to walk and adapt to a completely different way of living, while also coping with further complications including a recurrence of the tumour and secondary spread to his lungs. He was also diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2018, adding another layer to his daily challenges.
Despite everything, Nathan has remained determined to live life to the fullest and be present for his young family, including his two-year-old son. He said: “This walk is about showing what’s possible after all of that. Not just for me, but for anyone facing something similar. I want to show my son that limitations are the ones we put on ourselves and that mindset is everything.”
Nathan is raising money for Sarcoma UK, the only charity in the UK dedicated to all types of sarcoma, which works to improve awareness, fund research and support patients and families affected by these rare cancers.
Taking part in the Peak District Ultra Challenge is both a personal goal and a symbolic milestone in his recovery, demonstrating just how far he has come since his surgery. The challenge will see Nathan walk 75km through the Peak District’s rugged terrain, joining thousands of other participants taking on one of the UK’s most demanding endurance events.
As he prepares for the challenge, Nathan is urging people to support his fundraising efforts and help raise awareness of rare bone tumours and the realities of life after major surgery. Donations can be made via his JustGiving page.
Entries are still open for the Peak District Ultra Challenge. To take part, visit the Ultra Challenge website.
