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Fundraising agency boss eyes up ‘hat-trick’
Hertfordshire business leader
Laura Pearce has completed her second marathon-length charity walk, raising more than £2,500 for Cancer Research UK.
The Cotswolds 26-mile Big Hike took place in temperatures topping 32 degrees, with Laura covering more than 61,000 steps over tough terrain.
The Managing Director of Strand completed a similar challenge in 2024 for Alzheimer’s Society, raising more than £2,000. She’s now toying with the idea of a third challenge next year to “make it a hat-trick”.
She said: “These challenges always start with bad news. I sign up because someone I care about is going through something unthinkable and I want to do something that helps.
“This one was especially personal. I was walking for family, friends, colleagues and clients – some in treatment, some we’ve lost and some showing more strength than I could ever put into words.
“You carry those people with you. As the hills get steeper and your legs start to go, it’s thinking about them that keeps you moving.”
Laura credits her two dogs with helping her keep up the miles, while her team at Strand quietly back her every step of the way.
Editorial Manager Julie Palmer said: “We’re all incredibly proud of Laura. She’s always up for a challenge and has now raised more than £4,500 for two incredible charities while the rest of us watch on in awe.”
Laura is not ruling out a third challenge in 2026: “I said I’d take on one a year… so who knows? A hat-trick might be on the cards.”
Laura’s fundraising page is still open for donations: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/lauras-big-hike-115
