Ten Hospice supporters recently took on Hadrian’s Wall. This 60 mile fundraising challenge was due to take place in 2020 and after two date changes our team of tenacious fundraisers finally set off from the Hospice on Friday 24 June.
The group, which included members of our Hospice team, were nervously excited for this long awaited challenge. Starting off in Carlisle, the walk was led by long standing Hospice support Bobby McGuane. Ellen Tumelty, lead for our Hospice inpatient services, joked “It was supposed to be a 60 mile walk but we ended up doing “Bobby miles” so we actually walked 65 miles!” she added “It wasn’t always easy, the route involved some difficult climbs, high winds etc. but we did it .. what a team!”
Despite being a group linked only by their shared desire to raise funds for the hospice, they all ended up forming a really strong and close bond and supported each other along the 60 mile adventure. It wasn’t all plain sailing; walk leader Dave would get up 30 minutes early to help wrap the damaged feet of a fellow walker. Other members of the team had to contend with blisters, little sleep, aches and pains.
“We all came over the finishing line together. What an amazing challenge, amazing views and an amazing experience which I will never forget. It was tough at times but so I’m pleased we have completed the walk for a great cause.” said Debbie Brown.
Daniel Holloway, who was walking in memory of his nan, Olive Beckett, challenged himself to walk the entire 84 miles of Hadrian’s ancient Wall by starting a day before the challenge and continuing onto the Wallsend.
The highs of the weekend included stunning scenery such as “The Sycamore Gap Tree” made famous in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
Sincere and heartful thanks goes to Bobby McGuane, Brigid Williams, Daniel Holloway, Dave, Debbie Brown, Des McCarthy, Ellen Tumelty, Jane Dickenson, Jenny Hodden, Lynda Gibson, Michael Ktenas, Stella Jones and Susan Baldwin.
Collectively this amazing team have raised £10,535 for our special hospice care.
Fancy taking on a similar challenge? Email us team@gbch.org.uk