Alex Cann

8:00am - Noon

Email the studio

Chappell Roan

Pink Pony Club

Listen Live

Hike to Harrogate: Author swaps crime books for hiking boots

Wednesday, 25 June 2025 07:31

Author Emma Christie (left) and her partner Maria Jose.

A Scottish author will hike 150km in 7 days en route to the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival to raise money for vital cancer research.

Emma Christie is aunt to two teenagers with inoperable brain tumours.

The Barcelona-based Scot, author of four psychological thrillers set in Edinburgh, will raise funds for The Brain Tumour Charity and Pancreatic Cancer Research.

She’ll hike alongside her partner Mari, whose 59-year-old brother Juan died of pancreatic cancer weeks after diagnosis.

Emma, 44, and Mari, 49, have created a challenge called ‘The Big Hike to Harrogate’.

They’ll walk the Dales Way in reverse, starting in Windermere in the Lake District, crossing the Yorkshire Dales and ending in the town of Harrogate, just in time for the start of its famous crime writing festival.

And Emma will host an ‘author dinner’ at the renowned festival two days after the charity hike ends.

The couple are keen hikers but neither has walked such a long distance in such a short time.

Emma said:

“It’s going to be a really big challenge to cover that kind of ground every day but we’re really excited to take it on.

“And if we suffer a wee bit, so be it. It’s nothing compared to the situations faced every day by people living with cancer.

She added:

“When my niece and nephew received their diagnosis- several years apart - it was obviously a huge blow to the entire family.

“And we went through that same shock and sense of helplessness when Mari’s brother was given a few weeks to live.

“By taking on this challenge we hope to help raise money for two hugely worthwhile charities so they can continue to research and to support families living with these diseases.

“It feels good to be able to do something.”

You can follow their progress during the hike on Facebook and Instagram via @theemmachristie.

Emma and Mari have set up separate Justgiving pages, one dedicated to each charity.

More from Local News

Harrogate Town Unveil New Home Kit for 2026/26 Season

After an incredible in-store reveal with Jack Evans this morning, the 2026/27 home shirt is now available.
Harrogate resident latest to scoop free tank of fuel

Free Fuel Friday returned this morning, giving Your Harrogate listeners the chance to bag a full tank of free fuel.
20-person brawl breaks out at Ripon pub

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and "large-scale disorder" at the One Eyed Rat pub in Ripon earlier this month.
RAF flypast planned over Harrogate district next weekend

A number of wartime aircrafts are set to fly over the Harrogate district next weekend.
Three hotels in Harrogate district named among best in UK by Telegraph

Three hotels in the Harrogate district have been named among the best places to stay in the UK by The Telegraph.
Petition calls for action to protect Knaresborough Castle

A petition calling for urgent action to protect and restore Knaresborough Castle is set to be debated by councillors after attracting more than 500 signatures.
Harrogate Car Enthusiasts Motor Show returns this weekend

Hundreds of vehicles and a range of family attractions are set to take over Harrogate Rugby Club this weekend as the Harrogate Car Enthusiasts Motor Show and Family Fun Day returns.
Solar panels installed at Ripon Leisure Centre to help cut energy bills

Nearly 1,000 solar panels have been installed at three North Yorkshire leisure facilities in a move that is set to reduce energy costs by hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Police make arrest after fight on Harrogate street

Police are appealing for information about a violent incident that occurred at Fairfax Avenue in Harrogate.
Harrogate IT business 'incredibly proud' to represent town at national awards

A Harrogate computer and IT business has been named as a finalist in four categories at the national Tech Awards 2026.
Harrogate school fair to showcase young musical talent

Young performers from Harrogate are set to take to the stage alongside professional musicians as part of a new live music event at Rossett Acre Primary School's annual Summer Fair.
Harrogate care team conquers 45km charity walk

A Harrogate care team has completed a 45km charity walk in scorching heat, raising more than £1,300 for two local organisations supporting older people.
Increase in shoppers being duped by AI 'High Street' scams

Shoppers hunting for online bargains are being duped by sophisticated scam websites that convincingly pose as well known UK high street retailers, North Yorkshire trading standards officers have warned.
Financial investigators brought in to examine council-owned house builder

North Yorkshire Council has brought in financial investigators to look into its loss-making housing company Brierley Homes, it has emerged.
Comedy legend to visit Harrogate as part of upcoming tour

Comedy icon Harry Enfield is set to visit Harrogate later this year as part of his latest UK tour.
Governors oppose battery storage site near Knaresborough primary school

The governing body of a primary school near Knaresborough has announced its opposition to plans for a large-scale battery energy storage system next to the school site.
Street rangers tackle benches and bird mess on Cambridge Street

Harrogate BID's Street Rangers have been carrying out cleaning work on Cambridge Street as part of ongoing efforts to keep Harrogate town centre looking its best.
Harrogate Cat Rescue issues update on kittens born with genetic condition

Two kittens with genetic bone problems have been making "fantastic progress" under the care of Harrogate Cat Rescue following an appeal to help meet ongoing vet expenses.
Harrogate MP launches campaign to save M&S café on Leeds Road

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has launched a campaign to 'save' the M&S café at the store on Leeds Road.
Paddling pool in Valley Gardens remains closed for maintenance

The paddling pool at Harrogate's Valley Gardens has been temporarily closed while further checks are carried out following issues identified during maintenance work.