More than 100 participants from the business supplies community took part in the 2025 Climb of Life (COL), raising £103,215 for the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR).
Climbers faced some of the toughest conditions yet, with gale-force winds, bitter cold and challenging terrain testing them throughout the day. Although everyone returned safely, many finished with scrapes and bruises – a reminder of the physical demands of the event.
Morale remained high during the climb and continued into the post-climb gathering. Several members of the ICR team joined, including Dr Rob van Montfort, who spoke movingly about how his wife’s cancer diagnosis reshaped his perspective on research and highlighted the importance of developing gentler, more effective treatments.
Special recognition was given to Workplace360 CEO Steve Hilleard, whose team has collectively raised more than £320,000 over the years, for their contribution to the event’s fundraising success. Another award celebrated Philip Beer, Hamelin Brands Managing Director, for his creativity and dedication, taking part in the Climb of Life, the Ride of Life and his self-invented Swim of Life.
Event founder Graeme Chapman MBE thanked the COL organising committee for their support over the past seven years and announced that the “fabulous four” – Frances and Jason Stephen, and Andrew and Susie Stacey – will take over the running of the climb. Phillip and Heather Lawson have stepped down from the committee, while Graeme and Ruth Chapman will continue to offer support.
“It’s been a privilege to help organise the event over the last seven years. On behalf of the ICR, my thanks go to Graeme, my fellow committee members, our magnificent walk leaders, the many participants from the office supplies industry and our fundraisers – especially OPI and Hamelin – for the support we’ve received. The event is in great hands going forwards,” Phillip Lawson said.
Top corporate fundraisers this year included OPI, Raby Estates, Hamelin Brands, Office Power and United. The leading individual fundraisers were Susie and Andrew Stacey, Gus Whyte, Graeme, Gill and Katie Gladwinfield, Carol and Doug Houston and Sonja and Rob van Montford. The Dolphinholme community also shone, with strong contributions from Barbara Gorst, Ruth and Graeme Chapman, Karen and Michael Baines, Kirsty Rothwell, and Jane and John Entwhistle.
With this year’s success, COL has raised £2,142,415 over its 38-year history.
The 2026 Climb of Life will take place on 13 November, once again based at the Swan Hotel in Grasmere.
