A MAN whose father received end of life care at the Christchurch ‘Mac Unit’ has walked the 192-mile Coast to Coast challenge for the hospice.

Software delivery coach Steve Katon took two weeks to walk the famous route, which took him through the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.

Steve’s efforts have raised £2,705 for Macmillan Caring Locally, the charity which supports the Mac Unit.

Steve said: “I’ve always liked fell walking and I’ve always wanted to do the Coast to Coast. And after my dad passed away, my wife Carmel suggested I do it to raise some money for the hospice.”

Steve’s parents John and Marie Katon lived in Blenheim Court, Christchurch, a stone’s throw from the Mac Unit.

John developed lung cancer with a secondary tumour on his brain and attended the Unit firstly as a day patient, then as an in-patient in February 2020.

Steve said: “The staff in the Mac Unit were just lovely.

“We witnessed up-close the incredible care and compassion these angels give to those at the end of their lives and those who are staying behind.

“My dad simply loved people and was immensely generous. He would have been really pleased I decided to do the Coast to Coast for the hospice to thank them for all they did for our family and many more families.”

Steve has more than tripled his fundraising target of £750.

Neal Williams, trust secretary of Macmillan Caring Locally, said: “We are full of admiration for Steve. His challenge was a very fitting tribute to his wonderful father John and we are deeply grateful for his incredible donation, which will go towards our Brick by Brick appeal to create a new, modern hospice which will enable us to care for even more people and their families in the years to come.”