The Keepin' It Renal 54 Challenge — 54 miles in 24 hours

In March 2024, an incredible team of supporters took on the Keepin' It Renal 54 Challenge — a demanding endurance event created to raise awareness and funds for people affected by Renal Medullary Carcinoma (RMC).

The challenge saw participants travel from Oldham to Blackpool, covering 54 miles through the day and night. Battling fatigue, challenging terrain, sore feet, aching joints and very little sleep, the team pushed themselves to their limits, united by one goal — supporting The Ricky Casey Trust and helping families affected by this rare and aggressive cancer.

Alongside the walkers, a dedicated team of six cyclists also completed 54 miles before joining the group for the final stretch home. Throughout the challenge, supporters joined at various points along the route, providing encouragement, companionship and a much-needed boost when spirits were low.

The final miles tested everyone both physically and emotionally, but the determination of the team never wavered. As they approached the finish, they were welcomed home by family, friends and supporters who had gathered to celebrate their incredible achievement at our local football club, Springhead AFC.

The challenge was once again led by our trustee and Ricky's best friend, Lee McAllister, alongside Glyn Billington. A few of us joined them and walked the 54 miles home, and together we raised over £5,000.

We also held a local challenge on the day, inviting everyone to join us for a 5.4k community walk, starting from Churchill Playing Fields, Uppermill, at 2:30pm and finishing at Springhead AFC. After both walks, there was live music and entertainment in the clubhouse to celebrate everyone's achievements. Our patron Jamie Jones-Buchanan joined the walk.

The Keepin' It Renal 54 Challenge demonstrated everything The Ricky Casey Trust stands for — courage, friendship, resilience and community. Most importantly, it helped raise vital awareness of Renal Medullary Carcinoma and much-needed funds to support our ongoing work.

We are incredibly grateful to every walker, cyclist, volunteer, supporter and donor who made this challenge possible.