A self-confessed ‘mountain goat’ has become a Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity Big 50 Fundraiser after completing a famous 170km hike through the Alps.

Mark Oram took on the Tour du Mont Blanc challenge last month, climbing and descending approximately 10,000 metres through France, Italy and Switzerland over the course of eight days and raising more than £7,000 for the hospice.

The trail, which has an elevation higher than Mount Everest, was a physically enduring task even for Mark, who is an experienced and competent hiker and mountaineer.

Since January alone, he has scaled Mount Snowdon five times, Mount Batur in Indonesia, and the top 15 mountains in Wales.

Mark said: “I’m a bit of a mountain goat but it was a slog. I did it for my mum and dad and I scattered their ashes on the route because I promised them a majestic view after they passed.

“My mum spent her last six days in Cynthia Spencer Hospice and they were absolutely fantastic, from the nurses to Dr Bhav and the receptionists Mary and Beryl; they were all just amazing.”

Mark scattered his parents’ ashes at the Bonatti Hut in Italy, which the 58-year-old said was the most difficult part of the experience, which saw him dipping in mountain streams to escape the daily 35-degree heat.

“Scattering the ashes was by far the hardest bit,” said Mark. “I bawled like a baby but I knew they’d be happy. Although the challenge was a physical slog every day, if I was asked to go again tomorrow, I’d be gone immediately. The pictures and the videos don’t do it justice, it’s amazing.”

Mark’s impressive fundraising feat has secured his standing as a Big 50 Fundraiser for Cynthia Spencer Hospice, which celebrates its 50th anniversary during 2026.

As part of the celebrations, the charity is urging the community to join a select group of just 50 people, the Big 50 Fundraisers, who will help to mark the anniversary year by pledging to raise more than £2,000 and shape the next chapter of hospice care for the Northamptonshire community.

Mark added: “I’ve done lots of things for other charities, but I wanted to do this for Cynthia Spencer Hospice as a thank you for looking after my mum and giving her such good care.”

Mark will also ride the 50-mile anniversary route of the charity’s annual cycling challenge, Cycle 4 Cynthia alongside a friend in September.

Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity’s Community & Events Fundraiser Sarah Sturman said: “What an incredible achievement, well done to Mark on completing such a tremendous challenge. We are very grateful to him for raising that incredible amount of money as well as raising our charity’s profile along the way.

“Each of our Big 50 Fundraisers aim to raise £2,000 or more this year. That amount alone could fund a weeks’ worth of care for a patient and their family, providing comfort, reassurance and expert support when people need it most.

“Perhaps you could be a Big 50 Fundraiser too! There is no right or wrong way to fundraise. Whether you take on a personal challenge, bring people together for an event, or create something entirely your own, you will have our full support every step of the way.”

To find out more about becoming a Big 50 Fundraiser, visit https://cynthiaspencer.org.uk/big-50-fundraiser/