South Ribble Council workers’ epic walking challenge for St Catherine’s

South Ribble Council’s resident charity fundraisers have completed their latest challenge, so far raising £2360 for St Catherine’s Hospice with donations still coming in.

The 12-strong group walked the entire length of Hadrian’s Wall in two days. With slight detours for toilet stops and food breaks they walked almost 90 miles in just two days.

Setting off from the council’s Moss Side depot on July 3, the group’s first stop was in Newcastle where they checked-in to a hostel for the night.

And, just as the revellers started leaving the nightclubs at 4am the team, including Mark Gaffney, Dave King, Martin Henderson, Steve Hawkins, Lee Moat, Tori Fletcher and Rachel Fisher, started their first stretch along the wall in torrential rain.

They were aided along the way by their very own support crew, Roger Ashcroft, Sue Henderson. Trudy Quinn, Jeff Lambert and Mike Nuttall who each walked sections of the route in relay.

The first four hours of the challenge saw the Moss Side-eers battle the elements as the rain poured down. However, the day brightened up and the group enjoyed scenic views from the wall and clocked up 45 miles on their first day, finally getting to camp at 7:45pm.

The second day was also an early start, with the group taking to the wall at 4am to start their final stretch. Taking in the beautiful sunrise the group enjoyed the morning. However, as fatigue set in, the final half of the day was a gruelling task.

Battling mental and physical fatigue as well as a whole host of injuries including blisters, legs, backs, shoulders and even toenails dropping off, the group ploughed through and reached the end of their challenge 17 hours later at 9:15pm.

One of the challengers who walked the whole way, Tori Fletcher, South Ribble Borough Council Neighbourhood Officer said: “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It was a huge achievement and I was so emotional at the end but I would never do that again.

“If someone is looking for a challenge then do that because it is a challenge in every sense of the word.”

The Moss Side-eers completed the challenge to raise money for St. Catherine’s Hospice who are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year.

Lorraine Charlesworth, Director of Income Generation at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “We’re exhausted just thinking about this incredible challenge the Moss Side-eers have completed in aid of St Catherine’s!

“We’re so grateful to them for going the extra mile – quite literally – to show their support. The amount they have raised in sponsorship is fantastic, and will help fund the hospice’s specialised care for local people facing life-shortening conditions.”

The current total stands at £1860 online, with £500 coming from sponsorship forms. However, the team are still hoping to collect donations – to make a pledge click here.

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