TWENTY years ago, from a hospital window in North Wales, Mike Peters, frontman of rock band The Alarm, envisioned a way to support those affected by cancer.
Gazing at the mountains beyond, he resolved to walk Yr Wyddfa, not just for himself but to raise funds for additional equipment, treatment, and support services for the unwell.
This bold step gave birth to Love Hope Strength, a charity dedicated to saving and changing lives through music and meaningful challenges.
Now, as the anniversary of Mike’s passing approaches at the end of April, his wife Jules Peters is leading a new hike: El Camino Rocks 2026.
A total of 26 participants will hike over 100km along the historic Portuguese route of the Camino de Santiago, finishing at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.
Participants will be guided by Mike’s music, keeping his spirit present throughout the 100km journey.
Jules, of Dyserth, who shares sons Dylan and Evan with Mike, said: "It feels so right that now, as we head towards the anniversary of Mike’s passing at the end of this month, we embark on another challenge.
"This trek, one I’d always hoped to do with Mike by my side, will see 26 of us hiking over 100km along the historic route of the Portuguese route of the Camino de Santiago, ending in the impressive Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. With his music providing the soundtrack to our trek, Mike’s indomitable spirit will be felt every step we take together.
"Am I hesitant about taking on this journey without Mike? Yes, I know it will be tough, but I also know it’s exactly what I should be doing. Am I proud of what we will all collectively achieve through taking on this challenge? Definitely. Would Mike want to see us continue with the work he began, building partnerships with clinical teams across the globe to fund additional equipment, cancer care and treatment programmes? Absolutely."
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Mike died on April 29 at the age of 66 from blood cancer, more than 30 years after being first diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
The rocker was the co-founder and President of Love Hope Strength. Jules stepped into the role of President—an honorary role that Mike had relished—earlier this year, and Dylan joined the Love Hope Strength Trustee Board.
Evan, who has spent the past months writing music and sharing his own talent inherited from his father, will take part in the trek alongside Dylan.
El Camino Rocks 2026 has already raised more than $50,000, thanks to support from the Beauchamp Foundation and the fundraising efforts of those taking part in the trek.
Jules said: "We always aim to raise $100,000 through our treks, so we’ve set ourselves the target of raising a further $50,000 by the end of 2026."
Jules and the charity trekkers will journey from April 11 until April 19.
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