A team of dedicated hotel workers have embarked on an extraordinary 200-mile journey across the UK, driven by the courage of a much-loved colleague living with incurable cancer.

Around 100 walkers and cyclists from Everbright Hotels have set off on the 10-day relay challenge, aiming to raise £10,000 for Breast Cancer Now. Their journey began in North Wales and will finish in Cumbria, linking together the group’s hotels along the way.

The challenge got underway at the Belmont Hotel, with the team travelling on to the Llandudno Bay Hotel before completing the first leg in Denbigh. Over the coming days, they will pass through key locations including Wild Pheasant Hotel and Spa, Rossett Hall Hotel and Stone Cross Manor, before finishing at the George Hotel on Thursday, April 16.

At the heart of the effort is Fiona Sellars, known affectionately as Fi, a mum-of-two who has inspired colleagues with her strength since being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. Despite undergoing more than 50 rounds of treatment, she continues to face her illness with her simple but powerful mantra: “It is what it is.”

The 57-year-old, who has worked at The George Hotel for 19 years, was there to see the challenge begin—walking the opening stretch alongside colleagues. She admitted feeling “overwhelmed” by the support.

“It is so good that they are doing this, it is a bit overwhelming really,” she said. “The support of so many colleagues has been wonderful and I am hoping we raise as much money as possible for Breast Cancer Now, which is such an amazing charity.

“I haven’t even met a lot of the people who are doing the challenge—it is very humbling, it is very special.”

The charity effort also marks the hotel group’s 10th anniversary, but organisers say it has quickly become about far more than a milestone celebration.

Operations director Darryl Shaw said the response from staff had been remarkable. “The challenge has gathered its own momentum—we didn’t have to persuade anyone. People came forward because they wanted to do it and to show their support for Fiona.”

Managing director Lei Ma added: “The way the staff are supporting this challenge is absolutely beautiful. It’s a real test—around eight hours of walking each day—but we want to raise as much as we can and also raise awareness.”

Among those taking part is Adrian Barsby, 66, who is tackling the entire 200-mile route alone. After logging more than 500 training miles, he said the challenge is deeply personal.

“We all know somebody affected by cancer,” he said. “Fiona is a true inspiration to all of us, and she asked us to focus on raising money for Breast Cancer Now. That made it an easy decision.”

Colleagues across the group are playing their part, from tackling tough climbs like the Horseshoe Pass to cycling entire sections of the route. Each step, pedal and mile reflects a shared determination to support Fi and countless others facing cancer.

As the team continues its journey north, their message is clear—this is more than a physical challenge. It’s a powerful show of solidarity, resilience and compassion, inspired by one woman’s courage.

A JustGiving page has been set up for the £10,000 charity challenge. People can donate to the fund by visiting https://justgiving.com/page/everbright10yrbreastcancernow