TWO determined 15-year-old cousins from Warrington, Olly and Georgie, have embarked on an extraordinary journey this week, walking the full 84-mile stretch of Hadrian’s Wall to raise funds for St Rocco’s Hospice.
Their mission is not just a physical challenge, but a heartfelt tribute to their late grandparents, Gail and Bill. Grandma Gail received end of life care at St Rocco’s before Olly or Georgie were born, but they’re aware of the vital support that the hospice offers to the local community.
The cousins, who call themselves “Cool Cousins on Tour,” are using the walk as a way to honour their grandparents’ memory while also challenging stereotypes about their generation. “We want to prove all the people who think our generation are lazy and selfish wrong,” they wrote on their JustGiving page. They also hope to raise awareness for the hospice’s vital services, which have helped not only their family but also close friends.
Their fundraising goal of £5,000, which they are half-way to achieving, is matched by their enthusiasm and humour. In a cheeky nod to family dynamics, they added: “P.S. This is also to prove our parents wrong who think we will argue and get annoyed at each other.”
In the run up to the walk, Olly and Georgie have been busy with raffles and car washing to add to their fundraising and would like to recognise the support of the local community in enabling them to do this. The Appleton Thorn Village Hall and Kris Massey have been a big supporter as have a number of local businesses (Ego in Stockton Heath, Jenny Wren’s, Warrington Wolves Foundation and H20 Hairdressing) as well as the residents of Grappenhall Heys who all now have sparkling cars.
Olly and Georgie are supported by their family and friends as well as Olly’s football club Appleton AFC and Georgie’s netball club Warrington Town Junior Netball Club.
Georgie has been recently interviewed on BBC Manchester by Stacey Copeland and they are both due to return to talk to her after their walk to talk about how it has gone.
Supporters can follow their progress and see updates from the trail on their dedicated Facebook page (Hadrians Wall | Facebook) where they’ve been sharing photos and stories from their trek across northern England. These have been really funny and a great way to follow their progress. Their parents have been meeting them at checkpoints along the way and are relieved they’ve not had to walk the 84 miles with them. The biggest challenge has been keeping up with them as they’ve been walking at some speed all the way!
As they march across Roman ruins and rolling countryside, Olly and Georgie are proving that compassion, courage, and a bit of cousinly camaraderie can go a long way—literally.
Donations can me made via their Just Giving page CLICK HERE
