Guild Wheel Walk 2019

Avid fell runner and dedicated St Catherine’s supporter Chris Pilkington writes about the 2019 charity Guild Wheel Walk he organised, which saw more than 100 supporters help raise vital funds for our hospice and other local causes

It was the third anniversary of the Guild Wheel Walk and was by far one of the hottest days I have ever had to walk 21 miles – everyone who took part on the day did amazing and used all of their mental and physical strength to get through it.

We started at the Royal British Legion in Penwortham at 7.45am with St Catherine’s Hospice, Derian House Children’s Hospice and Rainbow House all there to support the start and wave us off, which made the day extra special. The sun was out, everyone was excited, a little nervous, and ready to go!

More than 100 walkers and supporters took to the Guild Wheel for the challenge on Good Friday. It took walkers between five and 10 hours to complete, and there was an impressive age range from seven to 65-years-old.

We were joined by eight on support bikes, one photographer and three cars with family and friends getting involved and supporting the trek. We had a variety of walkers including NHS staff, Leyland Trucks staff, British Army/Marines, personal trainers, and families and friends of people who have been supported by the charities.

It’s an emotional task and we all use the ‘mind over matter’ approach to get us through it. To think who you are doing the walk for is enough to get you through it.

At the finish we were greeted by the local community cooking food at the Royal British Legion which hosted the event, where we also held a raffle.

Thank you everyone for your support on the day, the time I take to make this happen is more than worth it, the feedback I have received and the comments and messages people have been sending me are overwhelming. Together we all raised £3,000, which is just fantastic!

I’d also like to thank everyone else involved in helping out on the day such as those who sorted out raffle tickets, donated raffle prizes, and local companies including T+G Web Design, United Utilities, Vimto, Helping Hand Charity and other local businesses who helped me promote this fantastic annual community fundraising event.

Fitness and wellbeing

As well as supporting local charities, another motivation for organising this event is fitness and wellbeing. Leading up to the event I encourage individuals and groups to go out and get some miles in. The event isn’t only about the day itself, but the months leading up to it as well the months which follow.

People take a lot away from this event and do more walking afterwards as a result, which can help with personal wellbeing, family time, the mind, stress, anxiety and much more. This summer make sure you make the most of the outdoors and the fresh air; just walk, run, cycle, just get out, it’s free!

Make the most of your family and friends and focus on the things in life that make you happy. Hope to see everyone again next year!

Share with your friends!