CHEQUE IT OUT!
6 November 2025
A remarkable effort has raised £4,063 for Macmillan Cancer Support, inspired by the courage and generosity of local Tai Chi teacher Frank, who continued sharing his knowledge and passion for this graceful martial art even while receiving care in the Macmillan Unit.
Right up until his final days, Frank’s dedication shone through as he taught Tai Chi from his bed, embodying calm and resilience. His strength and positivity left a deep impression on everyone who knew him.
Moved by Frank’s spirit, his close friend Terry embarked on an extraordinary fundraising challenge, walking 150 miles throughout August to support Macmillan’s work. Donations soon began to pour in from Canada, Cyprus, England, and Northern Ireland, reflecting the far-reaching impact of Frank’s life and teaching.
Alongside these contributions, many local friends and neighbours offered both practical help and emotional support to Frank’s wife and son, ensuring they were surrounded by kindness during the most difficult times. Volunteers at the Macmillan Unit also gave their time to sit with Frank, providing comfort and companionship, while the nursing staff delivered outstanding, compassionate care until his final farewell.
The funds raised have now been presented to Macmillan Cancer Support, helping to ensure that others facing similar journeys will benefit from the same quality of care and comfort.
Frank’s legacy of calm strength, community, and generosity continues to inspire those who knew him and all who hear his story.
Steps that Inspire
6 September 2025
The Macmillan 100 Mile Walk this August may have come to an end, but the generosity it inspired continues to flow. Each donation stands as a tribute to Terry’s selfless journey, walked in honour of his dear friend Frank, who sadly left us on 5 August.
Words like thank you hardly capture the depth of our gratitude. Your encouragement, kindness, and generosity have lifted us every step of the way.
Here are just a few moments from our walking album, reminders that this journey was about so much more than miles.
A Special Thank You
from Macmillan
5 September 2025
We were so touched to receive a wonderful message of thanks from Macmillan Cancer Support.
"The website looks absolutely incredible, and we can’t thank Terry enough for his kind support for Macmillan. Over on his fundraising page, he’s raised £4,043 for us and we couldn’t be more thankful for this. £4,043 could pay for a Macmillan Nurse for just under 2 weeks, helping people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical, and emotional support."
Pictured right (full screen) / above (mobile view):
The Macmillan Unit at Antrim Hospital, where Frank was cared for with such warmth and kindness.
The Two FFs
1 September 2025
I have known Frank since I was born! We did all sorts of things together like building a pergola and it was fun.
I will miss you so much.
A Journey Completed
31 August 2025
Today, Terry completed his Walk 100 Miles in August challenge with 4.5 final miles, bringing his incredible total to 150 miles. But this walk was about more than just the miles, it was a journey walked in loving memory of Frank.
In Frank’s honour, Terry has raised an amazing £4,043 for Macmillan Cancer Support, a cause close to so many hearts. His dedication and determination have been truly inspiring, and Frank’s spirit has been at the heart of every step.
A hugest thank you to everyone who supported Terry throughout this challenge; whether through words of encouragement, spreading the word, or making a donation. Every act of kindness has mattered and helped turn this challenge into something truly special. Together, we’ve celebrated Terry’s achievement, honoured Frank, and contributed to a cause that provides vital support for so many. 💚
Remembering Frank
31 August 2025
As this unforgettable month draws to a close, I reflect on the passing of my husband, Frank, who bid his final farewell on 5th August. He will be deeply missed, not only by me, our family, and our friends, but also by his Tai Chi students in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, and Essex. We were lucky to have four wonderful years together here, filled with joy and laughter. I will always treasure our adventures - like the day we were drenched at the BBC Antiques Roadshow in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens. The many moments of fun and laughter will stay with me always.
Northern Ireland has been a truly remarkable place to call home, and I will remain eternally grateful for the warmth, kindness, and practical support we have received during these difficult months. My heartfelt thanks go especially to Terry, whose tireless fundraising for Macmillan honoured the extraordinary care Frank was given.
The Penultimate Perambulation
30 August 2025
145.5 miles already walked, and tomorrow with just 4.5 more, Terry will finish the month having gone 50 miles beyond Macmillan’s 100-mile challenge.
Through rain-soaked paths and countryside lanes, he’s kept putting one foot in front of the other, all in the name of supporting those who need Macmillan most and as a tribute to his friend, Frank, who said his final farewell to us all on 5 August.
Please take a moment to watch Terry’s video, filmed on today’s wet and weary walk, as he reflects on this August journey and what it has meant.
AUTUMN WHISPERS
29 August 2025
Autumn whispers are in the air, and so far I’ve walked 135 miles this August for the MacMillan challenge, but 181 miles in total since stepping into it on 19th July.
Just a few days left before the month draws to a close, so if you feel like walking alongside me in spirit, supporting MacMillan’s incredible work would mean the world. 👣✨
A Special Conversation
24 August 2025
Being a Bank Holiday weekend (and yes, it's the last one before Christmas!), Terry decided to slow down a little and treat himself to a tasty Sunday lunch at a local hotel. While there, he struck up a conversation with a kind gentleman who opened up about the recent loss of his wife. It was one of those unexpected moments that stay with you, reminding us how important it is to listen, connect, and share a little kindness.
In this video, Terry reflects on that heartfelt encounter.
Tai Chi Taster
21 August 2025
The wish of my late friend and teacher, Frank Cochrane, was for me to continue his legacy of Tai Chi in the local area. And so, I strode out on the last leg of my 100-mile walk in support of Macmillan Cancer Support, arriving at Studio N in the charming village of Cullybackey to deliver a ‘taster’ Tai Chi session in the Wudang tradition.
A huge thank you to the class for not booing me out of the door, and for raising an incredible £220, bringing the total donated to over £4,000!
Behind every great man . . .
20 August 2025
. . . there's an even greater woman (with apologies for butchering the quote!). Yesterday, Marion proved the point by striding alongside Terry on his three-miler, whether to support him as he edges towards the finish line, or just to make sure he’s not sneaking off for a cheeky shortcut. We’ll let you decide!
Miles More in Store?
19 August 2025
With just 8 miles to go, Terry is storming towards the finish line of his Macmillan 100 Miles in August challenge. Though, from the look of it, he’s only just getting warmed up! Rumour has it he’s already eyeing up “extra credit” miles beyond the 100… either that, or he’s just forgotten how to stop walking. 🚶♂️💨
Check out the video to see how he’s getting on, and maybe to place your bets on whether he’ll stop at 100 or just keep walking until September!
The Fellowship of the Wee Dander
18 August 2025
Terry has been bravely striding out solo on a number of 4-milers, but last night he was joined by the indomitable Plucky Paula, who declared herself more than ready for a “wee dander” in the evening sunshine (as if it were nothing more than a stroll to the fridge).
A proud disciple of Frank’s legendary Tai Chi classes, Paula turned heads by pairing the iconic Ballymena Tai Chi T-shirt with a pair of designer shades so cool they could probably do the stretches on their own.
Meanwhile, Terry is preparing to follow in Frank’s world-famous, slow-motion footsteps, continuing the Tai Chi journey with Frank’s loyal students. Expect graceful moves, inner calm, and possibly a few confused pedestrians.
No, it's not the Beatles!
15 August 2025
Take a look at Terry’s snap from today’s walk, you might think the Fab Four had made a surprise reunion on Abbey Road. But hold on! That’s five striders marching through Glenariff Forest, with Terry on camera duty. Call them the “Fab Five (Plus One)”—and they’ve just nailed a 5.5-mile greatest hit!
A Life Well-Lived
14 August 2025
Today in Portglenone, County Antrim, we gathered to remember and celebrate the life of Frank Cochrane.
His 79 years can truly be described as a life well-lived, from his many travels to his dedication to teaching Tai Chi, Frank embraced life with joy and fulfilment. In his final weeks, he was cared for with great compassion by the dedicated team at the Macmillan Unit in Antrim. To help them continue this invaluable work, and to support Terry’s 100-mile walk in their honour, please press the donate button.
Story Time
12 August 2025
What's your story? The tricky part is this: your story is never only yours. You’re a chapter in the lives of others, a side character in tales you’ll never read. Sometimes your greatest act in your own story is a footnote in theirs.
And perhaps the “usefulness” of your story is overrated. Trees don’t grow for utility, yet they shade strangers. Rivers don’t flow for narrative, yet they carve valleys and nourish cities. You don’t need to be useful to be worth telling.
So, what’s your story? You’re still in the middle of it, aren’t you? And that’s the beautiful, infuriating thing: the ending is always unwritten, and every step is a chance to change the plot.
What's in a Leaderboard?
12 August 2025
While it’s satisfying to see your name at the top, whether for funds raised or miles walked, the true value isn’t in the ranking. It’s in the reason behind the effort.
For Terry, walking 100 miles for Macmillan Cancer Support was never just about numbers. It was a heartfelt tribute to his friend and Tai Chi tutor, Frank Cochrane, a man admired for his martial arts skill and generosity of spirit in England, Cyprus, and Northern Ireland.
Every mile Terry walks is a step in honour of Frank’s life and the values he lived by. To date, the walk has raised £3,717 for Macmillan Cancer Support, helping others in the same spirit Frank showed throughout his life.
Slemish Sunday
10 August 2025
We invite you to head over to our new page, SLEMISH SUNDAY, for the full story with videos, photos and sheep!
The Three Amigos!
9 August 2025
Three more miles in the bag today, leaving Terry just 2.5 miles short of the halfway mark in the Macmillan Walk 100 Miles in August Challenge.
A leisurely wander around the Ecos Trail was enjoyed by all—though if you ask the youngest member of the trio, the walk was merely the warm-up for the main event: BRUNCH.
Terry's Tribute
7 August 2025
During his 5.5 mile walk yesterday, 6th August, Terry recorded a short video in memory of his dear friend Frank, honouring the incredible work of Macmillan.
As of today, his inspiring 100-mile challenge has raised an amazing £3,617. If you’d like to support Terry and this important cause, please click the link below. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity.
A Well-lived Life
6 August 2025
On the day Peter, Frank’s son, joined Terry for the fifth leg of his 100-mile walk, Frank gently left us, passing away peacefully. Since the afternoon of the 5th of August, Frank’s wife Sue and their son Peter have been deeply moved by the many heartfelt messages of sympathy and support. Terry, too, has received a number of touching tributes from Frank’s devoted Tai Chi students.
As one close friend of Frank and Sue wrote, “Frank lived life to the full right to the end. A truly well-lived life, and a privilege to have known him.”
Peter and Terry pictured right
4 August 2025
"A Remarkable Man"
These words were written by a friend of Frank's. They met only a short time ago in Northern Ireland and because of their shared interest in the Bowen Technique and Tai Chi, they have much in common!
"Your Legacy Will Live On."
Written by one of Frank's Tai Chi students who also said of him, "I am grateful to have had the privilege to learn from you and the opportunity to now thank you for the positive impact your classes have had in my recovery journey."
Terry on Tour!
2 August 2025
Terry was out stretching his legs around Sheffield on Saturday, racking up more miles for his epic 100-mile mission in support of Macmillan Cancer Support. Along the way, he got up close and personal with Sheffield Ikea (no flat-pack purchases were made!) and took in the sights of the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal. Go Terry!
Terry on Tour!
Click the Play button above to watch
We appreciate you Canada, Σας ευχαριστώ Cyprus and thank you UK and NI!
31 July 2025
In a world where hardship and sorrow often make the headlines, it’s uplifting to witness the generosity, compassion, and care that transcend borders. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible friends, colleagues, customers, and associates in the UK and Northern Ireland, Canada and Cyprus for their unwavering support for this remarkable charity, and Terry’s upcoming 100 mile walk for Macmillan Cancer Support. Your kindness really does make difference.
And I would walk 100 miles
29 July 2025
Terry has shared a short video clip while on his walk warm up, showing his unwavering determination and gratitude for the incredible support he's received. His dedication is inspiring! Please keep cheering him on—every step counts!
Off we go!
28 July 2025
We launched our little website yesterday and already your kindness, encouragement and donations are flowing in. This means everything, not just to Terry but to those whose lives are touched by Macmillan’s incredible work. We know these are difficult times for many, which makes your generosity all the more meaningful.
Every step Terry walks is made lighter by your support. Whether you donate, share the story, or simply send a few kind words of encouragement, please know that you’ve helped make a real difference.
