Couple take to the hills to raise cash for Marie Curie

A COUPLE took on the challenge of climbing to the highest point in Scotland in aid of charity.

John and Janet Thorley, of Surrey Road, Gawsworth, joined 200 other like-minded individuals to scale Ben Nevis to raise funds for Marie Curie and help its nurses continue the amazing work they do to care for people with terminal cancer and other illnesses.

The walk started at the base of the mountain, close to the town of Fort William, and involved a 10-mile walk, ascending to the summit and ‘The Ben Nevis Observatory ruin’, at 1,344 metres above sea level.

So far the couple have raised in excess of £600.

John, a construction health and safety specialist, said: “We made a pledge last year to undertake a challenge every year for the foreseeable future in order to help raise funds for charity.

“This walk followed on from Scafell Pike in the Lake District last year for Marie Curie.

“The charity does outstanding work and it is a privilege to work alongside the dedicated team at Marie Curie to help raise funds to support the fantastic work that they do.

“Once again we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to those that sponsored us and to the support staff and guides from Marie Curie that gave us so much encouragement on the day, always with a smile on their faces.”

Marie Curie gives people with all terminal illnesses the choice to die at home. Nurses provide patients and their families free hands-on care and emotional support in their own homes right until the end.

Jessica Herrington, community fundraiser for Marie Curie in Macclesfield, said: “A massive thank you to John and Janet for taking part in such an exciting event to raise money for Marie Curie, and to anyone who donated.

“Without the support from people who undertake these events for us, we wouldn’t be able to provide quality care to families who need it the most.”