Colleagues from Chester-based BusinessComparison walked the length of the Sandstone Trail in 13 hours in memory of Freya and to support The Joshua Tree charity

On Friday 25th September, a team from BusinessComparison, the Chester-based comparison platform that helps SMEs save time and money, completed the 34-mile Sandstone Trail in a single day, walking from Frodsham to Whitchurch in memory of Freya, the daughter of friend and former colleague Paul Jones. The walk has so far raised over £4,500 for Cheshire-based children’s cancer charity The Joshua Tree.

The team set off from Frodsham railway station at approximately 6:00 AM and followed the sandstone ridge south through the heart of Cheshire. They stopped for a planned lunch break roughly halfway, enjoyed the hospitality of The Shady pub in Tiverton, and eventually crossed into Shropshire, reaching the suburbs of Whitchurch just after 7:00 PM.

After trekking across some challenging terrain, navigating steep inclines, and soldiering on through downpours, the participants found a warm welcome waiting at the finish line. Despite some achy legs, a few nettle stings, plus a blister or two, the team were immensely proud of their achievement. The challenge followed a similar effort in July 2025, when colleagues walked from New Brighton to Chester to support Paul and his family while Freya was undergoing treatment for a brain tumour. These efforts raised £5,200 before Freya sadly passed away at the age of 9. This year’s walk was planned to honour her memory while giving back to a charity that supported the family through a difficult time.

BusinessComparison, which recently celebrated helping 200,000 businesses cut costs, has a compact team based in Chester’s famous Steam Mill building, and taking a day out for the challenge was a collective effort. Representatives of The Joshua Tree and Freya’s dad, Paul Jones, joined the BusinessComparison team, which consisted of Joe Charlesworth, Steph Salusbury, Max Solomon, and Founder and Managing Director Philip Brennan. The team were also supported throughout the day by colleagues Rich Goodyear and Sam White, supplying transport and provisions.

Philip Brennan, Founder and Managing Director of BusinessComparison, said:

“It was a tough challenge, but bringing friends and colleagues together to support this fantastic charity made it all worthwhile. Giving back has always been part of who we are at BusinessComparison, and this event was also a moving way to remember a girl who will never be forgotten.”

Based in Sandiway, Northwich, The Joshua Tree supports children and families affected by childhood cancer across the UK, offering practical, emotional, health, and wellbeing support throughout their journey. Donations will help ensure more families can access that vital support when they need it most.

Richard Driffield, CEO of The Joshua Tree, said:

“It was an incredible effort by everyone involved to complete the Sandstone Trail in a day. I’m hugely grateful to the BusinessComparison team, and to Paul, for taking on the challenge and choosing to raise funds for The Joshua Tree. It was a pleasure to join them on the challenge.”

To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/businesscomparison-sandstonetrail