Walkers rise to the challenge

Wet and windy weather did nothing to deter the 131 walkers who bravely took part in the Francis House Children’s Hospice charity challenge to tackle the Cheshire Three Peaks.

Eager participants – including two Macclesfield residents – part of a group of twelve from Ivanti in Daresbury – gathered at Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre in Macclesfield to embark on a 13.6 mile route, covering Tegg’s Nose, Shutlingsloe and Shining Tor.

Some opted instead for a shorter 6.5 mile scavenger route but found more than just a gentle stroll lying in wait.

Graeme Williams and Beverley Barnes from Macclesfield together with colleague David Crookes, Ivanti global development operations director, his wife Jane Bradley-Crookes and their four children Ewan Crookes (10), Laura Bradley (7), Jennifer Bradley (7) and Natalie Crookes (12) collected £1,248 in sponsorship

Charity champion David’s efforts to support the Didsbury based hospice that cares for families from Cheshire, include initiating a regular staff volunteering rota at the charity’s shop in Manchester. 

“Francis House is a very worthy cause and relies heavily on community support. I feel so proud to be involved in something that really makes a difference and to see the charity support grow with colleagues, friends and family contributing in different ways is simply amazing,” he said.

Despite the tricky terrain and wet conditions, all walkers returned with smiling faces.

Royal Bank of Scotland employee Simon Sayers from Manchester, set a new record, whizzing round the route in just four hours.

The annual event has raised more than £7,300 for Francis House, which will go towards the day-to-day running costs of the hospice.

Rachel Astill, event organiser at Francis House, said: “Unlike adult hospices, children’s hospices cover large geographical areas and at any one-time Francis House has around 2,000 people receiving some form of care,

“Of the 500 families we support 30 are from the Cheshire area. Thank you to everyone who faced up to the challenge of the Cheshire Three Peaks for going that extra mile to support their local children’s hospice.”

Anyone wishing to take part in the 2020 challenge can mark Sunday, June 14 in their diaries. For more information on Francis House visit www.francishouse.org.uk

Image: Team from Ivanti: Front Row Children L-R: Ewan Crookes (10), Laura Bradley (7), Jennifer Bradley (7), Natalie Crookes (12). Rear Row Adults L-R: Andrea Thompson, Beverley Barnes, Graeme Williams, Catherine Cartwright, Shaun Cartwright, David Crookes and Jane Bradley-Crookes.