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Charlie fly fishing in the river — the inspiration for Source to Sea
The Challenge

Source
to Sea

140km along the River Dee. From its source in the Cairngorms to Aberdeen Harbour. One promise kept.

Countdown
The Route

From source to sea

Nick and his family will walk the full length of the River Dee, starting at its source high in the Cairngorms and finishing where it meets the North Sea at Aberdeen Harbour. Four days. 140 kilometres. Every step for Charlie.

Route

River Dee

Distance

140km

Duration

4 days

Dates

20–23 July 2026

Walkers

The Drake Family

Charities

TCT & Leukaemia UK

Source to Sea poster — double exposure of Nick and Charlie with Highland scenery. Source to Sea, River Dee, July 20th–23rd 2026
The Journey

Training updates

Follow the family's preparation as they train for the 140km walk.

Training walk 1 — 7 Feb

“I'll see you at the river, mate.”

Nick's promise to Charlie

Supporting

Two causes close to Charlie's heart

Teenage Cancer Trust

Specialist nursing and support for young people aged 13-24 with cancer.

Leukaemia
UK

Funding research to stop leukaemia devastating lives.

Support the challenge

All donations go directly to Teenage Cancer Trust and Leukaemia UK.