Welcome to

Welcome to In Jimmy's Footsteps

This website was created to support the In Jimmy’s Footsteps Appeal, raising money for Cancer Research UK.  The Appeal was a huge success and the In Jimmy’s Footsteps Walk, which was at the heart of the appeal was completed successfully in July 2013.  Overall, the appeal has raised nearly £46,000 for Cancer Research UK. 

Alistair and Liz McIntyre would like to thank everyone who became involved with the appeal.  The funds raised were as a result of a great team effort across a range of fun, challenging and highly entertaining events.  The supporters of the appeal gave generously of their time and their resources and we will be eternally grateful.

The appeal was inspired, in part, by our beautiful  granddaughter Belle who lost her brave battle against cancer in November 2013.  Her courage, strength and determination were an example to us all and we can only hope that the funds raised will mean that in the future fewer families will have to experience the tragic loss suffered by our own.

The appeal closes on 31st March 2014.  You can still donate to our appeal until that date by clicking on the “Donate” button on this page and, of course, Cancer Research UK continue to raise money to fund vital research aimed at getting closer to beating cancer.


An Appeal to raise money for Cancer Research UK


An Appeal to raise money for Cancer Research UK
From the past... For the future

Photos: Belle with Grandad Alistair McIntyre.


In 2013 we are setting up a new charity appeal to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

The appeal is called “In Jimmy’s Footsteps” and the story below explains the reason behind the appeal.

In 1933 my grandfather, Jimmy McIntyre, was forced to leave his home and his family in Fife in Scotland and along with two of his brothers and three of his friends, set off to walk to Kent looking for work as there were insufficient jobs in the Fife mines. Determined to build a better life for their families, these six intrepid miners walked as far as Newcastle where they "borrowed" a bike and then walked or cycled the remaining length of the country ending up in Deal. 78 years and five generations later, our granddaughter, Belle McIntyre was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma.Belle is just 6 years old and has already undergone every type of treatment you can imagine. Jimmy McIntyre went on to help and support a great many miners during his time in Kent through working with the union to get funds for injured and suffering miners. The links between Jimmy and Belle show character, strength and determination to live. To help raise funds for Cancer Research, during 2013, we, along with our friends and family, are holding a series of events in both Scotland and Kent to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. Many people's lives are touched by Cancer and by funding research we can increase our chances of fighting this terrible disease. For full details of all the events happening throughout the year in Scotland and Kent follow the events link and then follow the link to booking an event.

For one of the events I intend to emulate my grandfather's trek by walking and cycling all the way from Fife in Scotland to Deal in Kent. I want this to be a challenge to me and to be a celebration of two lives, my grandfather, who inspired generations to be good people and who dedicated his life to helping others and my granddaughter Belle, who is currently fighting for the right to live and to inspire others to fight, the same as her great, great grandfather.

The walk from Fife to Deal is at the heart of the appeal and will take place in June and July 2013, however throughout 2013 a number of “In Jimmy’s Footsteps” events will be held to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

We want people to walk with us to help raise funds and to celebrate their loved ones and will welcome people as we travel down the country. You can follow the walk on the Twitter, Facebook or the daily blog links