Duval Inns Team Set for 16-Mile Charity Canal Walk

At Hook Norton Brewery, we love seeing the incredible initiatives our pub teams come up with for the community. This May, the team at Duval Inns is stepping up—literally—to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

On Saturday 16th May, a dedicated group of managers, staff, and locals from the Great Western Arms, The Highwayman, and The Bell at Hampton Poyle will take on a challenging 16.5-mile trek to support life-saving research.

A Mission Close to Home
For Duval Inns Operations Director, Mark Duval, the motivation for this walk is deeply personal. Having seen his family impacted by the disease—honouring the memory of his grandmother, Carol Saunders, and celebrating his father Nick’s successful recovery—Mark knows firsthand how important every donation is.

“Cancer Research is close to my heart,” says Mark. “But the sad reality is that my family is just a tiny number of the people affected. Many people within our company have been impacted one way or the other, and we want to help make a difference.”

The Route: From Aynho to Hampton Poyle
The team will be putting their boots to the towpath for a journey expected to take roughly six hours, connecting their three establishments:

• The Start: The Great Western Arms in Aynho.
• The Midpoint: A long scenic stretch along the canal to The Highwayman Hotel.
• The Finish: A final push through the fields via public footpaths to The Bell at Hampton Poyle.

Meet the Team
It’s a true group effort, with a dedicated roster of walkers including:
Lauren & Ashley Walton, Nicole Barclay, William Tattersall, Dani Coles, Barney Neal, Jenny Crowie, Alexandra Dumitrache, Harry Leigh, Izzy Millet-Clay, Grace Grossman, Miranda Chaplin, Shirley Chick, and Chris Allen.

Even those who have to work during the day are favouring a team-player approach, with staff from The Highwayman joining the group for specific legs of the journey.

How You Can Support
The team has set an initial fundraising goal of £500, but they are hoping to smash that target with your support. Whether it’s the price of a pint or a larger contribution, every penny goes towards the fight against cancer.

Donate Online Here: Duval Inns GoFundMe Page

Looking Ahead
This walk is just the start of a programme of giving for Duval Inns this year. Keep an eye out for their Annual Summer Music Event on 1st August, with even more charity events currently being organised for later in the year.

Let’s get behind the team and help them reach their goal!