Tom Simm, 39, has organised the hike on Saturday 12 April as a tribute to his long-time friend and fellow golf enthusiast, Morgan, and to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, where Morgan spent his final days.
Starting at the John O’Gaunt Golf Club, where Tom is based, and Morgan was a member, the walk will pass through the nearby RSPB grounds, offering participants the opportunity to walk, reflect, and share cherished memories of Morgan along the way.
Tom said: “Morgan was a childhood friend of mine, and as we grew up, our career paths aligned. He worked in the golfing industry and became an integral part of the golf club where I’m now based as a professional.
“Morgan was just incredible - he always had time for everyone and put his friends and family before himself. He would do anything for you and go above and beyond.”
In early April 2024, Morgan received the devastating diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia. Following several months of treatment in hospital, he was eventually transferred to Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger. Morgan tragically died on 22 December, one week shy of his 42nd birthday.
Determined to honour his friend’s memory, Tom found inspiration in a hike the pair took together several years ago. “During Covid, Morgan took up walking and hiking for his mental well-being. He invited me on a hike, and it was a magical day - it was snowing, and we followed a circular route starting in Beeston, where Morgan lived, through Sandy and the RSPB, looping back to the golf club. We reminisced about old times, shared laughs, and even captured moments for Instagram. It was just really good fun.”
When Morgan received his diagnosis, Tom sent him photos from the hike and shared his idea: “I told him, ‘I really want to organise a hike in your memory. We’ll involve lots of people and raise money for a charity of your choice.’”
Morgan’s family have been deeply moved by Tom's efforts and were keen to support Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, recognising the tremendous support they had received from its staff.
Nolan, Morgan’s brother, and his mother, Jeanette, expressed their gratitude for the hospice’s extraordinary care: “As soon as Morgan arrived at the hospice, the care, attention, and love he received from the entire team was amazing! This was extended to family and friends that visited. Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice is a very special place.”
Having already smashed his original £3,000 fundraising target, Tom is now hoping to raise an incredible £5,000 for the charity and shared how Morgan’s legacy will live on at the John O’Gaunt Golf Club: “Morgan was an incredible golfer - a fantastic talent. And he practised a lot! It seems only fitting that we’ve named the new practice area at the club after him. He’d have been the biggest user of it!”
With the day of the walk getting ever closer, Tom reflected on what Morgan would have thought of the fundraiser.
“He’d have loved the fact that everyone was doing their bit for him. His brother and some of his family are going to be there. And lots of friends from the golf club.
“I’ve put together a Spotify playlist featuring Morgan’s favourite songs, which we’ll play during the hike. It’s meant to be a ‘walk and talk’ - an opportunity to share memories of someone who meant so much to us all. It’ll also allow us to support one another through the grieving process, in a way that feels uplifting and positive.”
You can support Tom’s charity hike by visiting Tom Simm is fundraising for Sue Ryder
To find out more about Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, visit www.sueryder.org/stjohns