Pete Egerton

10:00am - 1:00pm

Email the studio

Peter Gabriel

Sledgehammer

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

Yorkshire's biggest ever pug meet to be held at Harewood House

Yorkshire's biggest-ever gathering of pugs is set to take place at Harewood House next month.
Bin fires prompt call for public to dispose of batteries responsibly

Residents are being reminded not to place batteries or unwanted electrical items containing batteries in their household waste or recycling bins to help to prevent fires.
Knaresborough Mayor to open town's first padel venue

Knaresborough's first dedicated town centre padel venue will officially open on Friday with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor taking to the court.
New award launched to find Yorkshire's best pub

A new award recognising Yorkshire's best pub has been introduced as part of the 2026 Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards.
Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim

Plans for a motorway service area (MSA) off the A1(M) in North Yorkshire have been approved despite a claim the scheme amounts to the "rape of the countryside".
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow

Drivers travelling between Harrogate and Skipton will begin using part of the new A59 Kex Gill route from tomorrow (Wednesday)
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target

This year's Tour de Aky is on course to raise £10,000 for charity after another successful series of fundraising events.
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award

Two Harrogate-based Transdev colleagues have been shortlisted for national honours at this year's RouteOne Awards.
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes

Burnsall visitors are being urged to plan ahead after the closure of a major parking field left parking in the village extremely limited.
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award

Spire Harrogate Clinic has been recognised for its high standards of cleanliness after achieving its first Gold CAP Award.
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses

A series of new daytime music courses is launching in Otley later this month, giving adults the chance to sing, play and meet new people.
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun

Families across the Harrogate district are being encouraged to make the most of a new guide to free and low-cost activities during the seven-week summer holidays.
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner

Harrogate International Festivals has announced a new partnership with Slingsby Gin.
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President

The Princess Royal will become President of the Great Yorkshire Show next year in a landmark moment for the event.
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision

Cuts to a 24/7 emergency helpline for elderly North Yorkshire residents have been pushed through without consulting users of the service, say critics.
Animal charity launches £2 million redevelopment appeal

An animal charity that supports vulnerable pets from Harrogate has launched a major public appeal to help fund a £2 million redevelopment of its facilities.
Sneak peek: New Otley play area starts to take shape

A brand new indoor and outdoor play attraction is beginning to take shape ahead of its opening in Otley.
Historic Harrogate pub named among the UK's best by The Telegraph

One of Harrogate's most historic pubs has been recognised as one of the best places in the UK to enjoy a pint.
Police appeal to find wanted Harrogate man

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for help to trace a wanted man from Harrogate.
Harrogate MP calls on new Prime Minister to overhaul 'broken' water industry

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make reform of the water industry one of his first priorities in office.