Two Platform Housing Group colleagues are preparing to take on a 26-mile charity hike along the Gower Peninsula in memory of their mothers, while raising vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
A Personal Challenge
For Droitwich-based Lisa Haynes, service improvement lead (Housing Operations), and Worcester-based Matt Evans-Lacey, performance and resource team manager, the challenge is about much more than completing a long-distance walk. The pair have worked together for more than a decade after first meeting when Lisa attended an interview at Platform’s former Worcester office. Over the years, their friendship grew as they discovered a series of unexpected connections between their lives and families.
In 2022, however, they found themselves facing a shared heartbreak when both of their mothers were diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Now, as they continue to navigate life without their mums, Lisa and Matt have chosen to honor their memories by taking part in a 26-mile Macmillan Mighty Hike around the peninsula later this month. The challenge will raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity that provided invaluable support to both families during an incredibly difficult period.
Words from the Participants
Lisa said: “When Matt and I realised we were both going through such similar experiences, it created a bond that helped us through one of the hardest times in our lives. Losing our mums has changed us forever and grief is something we continue to live with every day. Taking on this challenge feels like a meaningful way to honour their memory and say thank you to Macmillan for the support they provided to our families. We know our mums would be proud to see us doing something positive together, even if they would probably question our decision to walk 26 miles!”
Over recent months, the pair have been training together, tackling routes across the Malvern Hills and preparing both physically and mentally for the demanding challenge ahead.
Matt said: “Macmillan was there when our families needed support the most, offering guidance, compassion and reassurance during incredibly difficult circumstances. This hike is our opportunity to give something back while remembering two amazing women who meant everything to us. Training has been tough at times but knowing why we’re doing it keeps us motivated. The support we’ve received from colleagues across Platform has been fantastic and means a great deal to both of us.”
Corporate Charity Partnership
Macmillan Cancer Support is Platform Housing Group’s chosen charity partner for the next two years, with colleagues across the organisation regularly fundraising to support the charity’s work.
Kate McGrory, relationship fundraising manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, added: “We are incredibly grateful to Lisa and Matt for taking on this challenge and sharing their personal story. Every year, thousands of people rely on Macmillan’s support after a cancer diagnosis, and it’s thanks to fundraisers like Lisa and Matt that we can continue to provide vital services for people living with cancer and their loved ones. Their determination to turn such a difficult experience into something positive is truly inspiring and we wish them every success as they take on the Gower Mighty Hike.”
The pair hope their fundraising efforts will help ensure other families facing cancer receive the same support that meant so much to them and their loved ones. Anyone wishing to support Lisa and Matt’s fundraising efforts can donate through their Macmillan Mighty Hike fundraising pages.
Platform's Fundraising Culture
Platform colleagues nominate and vote for a corporate charity partner every two years, supporting organisations that align with the values of the business and the communities it serves. Platform colleagues have a proud history of taking fundraising to the next level, skydiving, cycling hundreds of miles, running marathons, hosting craft sales and stepping up to challenges of all kinds in their own time. Platform’s volunteer Fundraising Committee is at the forefront of organising and supporting fundraising efforts throughout the year.
