Derek has been a charity walker for as long as he can remember, starting at the age of 9 with a school walk to the Cheviot Hills and bottle top collecting with his friends. He found pleasure in helping others and as he grew older he tied his fundraising efforts into his interests. From a 24 hour darts marathon to a 24 hour buskathon and eventually 100 gigs in 100 days all in aid of charities close to his heart.

Ellie was involved in these events growing up and one day she asked her Dad ‘can I save the world just like you?’. Inspired by a 17 mile walk to Cresswell for ice cream, 7 year old Ellie created Footprints for Others with her Dad. Their first official fundraising walk was in Summer 2016, Ellie was 9 years old when the pair made the 65 mile journey from Berwick to Cresswell along the Northumerland Coastal Path, raising an amazing £1300 for Headway Charity.

Since then with the help of Melanie, Rebecca and many of their friends, they have held many fundraisers together. Alongside Derek’s solo endeavours, Footprints for Others has raised a staggering total of £23,000.