A brave band of walkers from a Lake District hotel group has tackled a one day 30 mile hiking challenge to raise funds for a local charitable organisation.
The team of six hikers from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues completed the walk from Wild Boar Estate in south Cumbria to Lancaster House Hotel in around 12 hours.
Funds raised so far by sponsorship are being donated to BEE Adventures, a not-for-profit community interest company which helps disadvantaged children and vulnerable teens by giving them opportunities to go on outdoor guided adventures.
The total raised thus far from group and personal fundraising efforts is over £1,600 with the chance to make further donations still open at here.
The team assembled at dawn for a briefing and hearty breakfast at Wild Boar Estate in the southern Lake District. They set off on their epic trek at 7:30am with the aim to complete the 30 miles within their 12 hour target time with breaks for refreshments and rest built in.
The route took in a number of local landmarks in south Cumbria and along the Morecambe Bay shoreline. It included total ascending of 786 metres into the bargain with one or two steep climbs to conquer on the way, as well as the team dealing with some boggy terrain due to the inclement weather.
Support was provided throughout the day by Adam Ordonez from Bee Adventures, who was ‘vehicle point-man’ for the journey with much needed supplies of food and water.
Faye McGuinness from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, who organised the charity walk, says:
“We decided to set up this genuinely challenging hike to promote wellbeing and team camaraderie as well as supporting BEE Adventures with the amazing work they are doing."
“Despite the numerous blisters and sore limbs we accrued along the way, as well as the odd downpour or two, the walk was a great success and a brilliant day for us all. We are looking at working with the organisation more closely in the future with more challenges like this one.”
The funds raised by the English Lakes Hotels hiking team for BEE Adventures will specifically support its community projects such as The Primary Student Adventure Programme and The Student Adventure Project.
Co-founder of BEE Adventures Ryan Bond adds:
"We are eternally grateful to English Lakes Hotels for the support they have given us. The outdoors saved my life and led to the creation of BEE Adventures, and the money they have raised will now give more at-risk young people opportunities they would normally never have."
“The group on the day showed true grit and determination. 30 miles over 12 hours of walking in poor weather is a very tough day, but their characters shone through and they smiled through the pain. Such a huge achievement! Thank you!"
