A ‘Walk to the Park’ with Bollington Brewing

Image: Paul Norman, the inspiration behind the Walk in the Park

Bollington Brewing Co. is inviting people to don their walking boots for a 10.5 mile ramble on 19th August along a route that joins its three pubs; the Cask Tavern in Poynton, the Vale Inn in Bollington and the Park Tavern in Macclesfield.

Aptly named ‘Walk to the Park’, the event has been set up to support friend of the brewery, Paul Norman, who is completing the epic 56 mile Bullock Smithy walk in the Peak District in September to raise funds for a charity close to his heart, Elliot’s Footprint.

Elliot’s footprint was set up by Paul’s former colleague Andrea Kerslake who tragically lost her two-year-old son Elliot in 2013 and saw a gap in support for families facing child bereavement.

The charity is raising funds to pay for a bereavement support worker who will reach out and be there for a family when they need it most. They will offer tailored support that the family need, whether this is helping them work out what to tell their children, who to contact to arrange a funeral, or to explain the Coroner’s process – they will be there.

Having completed the 24 mile Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in April in aid of the charity, Paul was keen to raise the bar in terms of a walking challenge and Bollington Brewing Co. stepped in to show their support by creating a charity walk in Cheshire.

‘Walk to the Park’ will kick off from the Cask Tavern in Poynton on Saturday 19th August with coffee and cake to prepare walkers for the ramble to Bollington. Participants will be greeted at the Vale Inn with well-deserved bacon sandwiches and a pint of beer. The route then meanders up to White Nancy and over Kerridge Ridge to drop down into Macclesfield where walkers will be greeted with food, drink and a hearty reception at the Park Tavern.

Commenting on the event, Lee Wainwright, owner of The Bollington Brewing Co. said: “It’s exciting for the brewery as we’ve always wanted to create a walk that joins our family of pubs together – so what better reason than to support Paul in his commitment to fundraising for Elliot’s Footprint? The ‘Walk to the Park’ is designed to be accessible and fun and it promises to be a great day.”

Paul Norman added: “I’m thrilled that Lee and the team are supporting my walking challenge for Elliot’s Footprint. ‘Walk to the Park’ is a fantastic example of community spirit and the three pubs along the way create milestones and allow people to take things at a steady pace.”

‘Walk to the Park’ has an entry fee of £15 for adults and all proceeds will go to Elliot’s Footprint.

Places are limited and available on a first come first served basis. For more information visit www.bollingtonbrewing.co.uk

Further information on Elliot’s Footprint is via www.elliotsfootprint.org