Father and Daughter Take on Epic European Adventure to Support North West Cancer Research

A father-daughter duo from Knutsford are gearing up to take on an epic European adventure in aid of life-saving cancer research and education from North West Cancer Research.

Paul Moonan, 62, and daughter Rachel, 24, will take on the Tour Du Mont Blanc trek this June for a four-day trekking challenge across three countries.

The duo’s challenge will start in Courmayeur, Italy, and ascend the Val Ferret, taking in inspiring views of Mont Blanc before crossing over into Switzerland. Once in Switzerland, they take on the most challenging pass of the trek, with a long, steady climb that takes in views of the Swiss side of the valley. The pair will hike up and over the mountains via the classic Bovine route to Trient, before then ascending Col de Balme and finishing their adventure in Tré-le-Champ, France.

During the four-day challenge, the pair will stop over in Alpine mountain huts each night and hike between 15-20km each day, totaling 55km. Their climb will total 10,700 feet and descend over 10,150 feet - all while carrying their loaded kits along the way. 

Training has been going well so far, with Paul planning a series of practice hikes in the run-up to increase his stamina ready for the challenge. Rachel will be joining Paul on these training walks, as well as currently training for a fitness competition in March.

Rachel said of the upcoming challenge:

“I’m generally an active person – I go to the gym, run a few times a week, and I am in training for my first HYROX event but I’m not underestimating how much of a challenge this will be. I have never hiked for four consecutive days, and the terrain will definitely be tough.

“It’s a long time to be on our feet each day and, although I’m apprehensive, I’m still super excited for the challenge. After hearing about it from a colleague I knew I wanted to do it straight away, so I’m thrilled that my dad was up for it too!”

Paul is a Trustee for local charity North West Cancer Research, so recognises the crucial need for cancer research and education across the North West and North Wales.

He said:

“As a Trustee I have a good understanding of the excellent work the Charity does to help reduce the impacts of cancer in our region and the wider world. I’m keen to raise more money and increase the funds that we invest in this invaluable research.

“Cancer has affected many of our wider circle of friends and family, but it also has an increased impact on many of the more disadvantaged people within our region. That’s why it’s so important to me to do my part and raise as much as possible to make a positive impact for the people of our region.

“When my daughter asked me to take on the Tour Du Mont Blanc trek challenge with her, it was too good an opportunity to turn down. I get to undertake an adventure with my daughter while raising money for a very good cause as the same time.

“I have never done anything like this before – I do enjoy a good hike but must confess that I have never hiked on consecutive days before so I’m a little apprehensive, but I know it will be worth it in the end.”

You can support Paul and Rachel on their epic adventure by sponsoring them at: 

https://www.justgiving.com/page/paul-moonan-1709825108952

Pictured - Paul Moonan and his daughter Rachel.