Peaks challenge is boost for hospice
DOZENS of intrepid walkers pulled on their boots to participate in a sponsored walk taking in the famous Cheshire Three Peaks of Macclesfield.
More than 130 people took part in the event to help raise funds for Manchester based Francis House Children’s Hospice. Teams of local businesses, families and individuals tackled the 13.75 mile route around Macclesfield Forest, Tegg’s Nose, Shutlingsloe and Shining Tor.
Organisers Francis House planned the walk along with a shorter 6.4 mile route around Macclesfield Forest, with the help of Neil Astill, a manager at RBS Group Plc and an experienced hill walker.
The Cat and Fiddle, Buxton Road, provided bacon butties at a scheduled stop roughly half way around the course.
Among those taking part were a group of trekkers destined for Morocco. The party of 14 used the walk as training in preparation for a fiveday trek later in the year.
Chief executive of Francis House, David Ireland, was amongst those completing the route in under six hours.
David said: “It’s quite a challenging walk but with blue skies and spectacular countryside it’s been fantastic.
“We are delighted so many people came and supported our hospice, and for myself and fellow trekkers it has been a great opportunity to get to know one another before our journey through the High Atlas mountain passes of Morocco in October.”
Francis House Children’s Hospice provides respite care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and the necessary support and short-term rest for their families.
The hospice supports families from all across the North West.
All services are given completely free and by far the largest part of funding comes through charitable donations.
The event has raised £9,404 to date, and is on target to exceed the equivalent of running the hospice for one day which amounts to £9,863.