A STAINDROP couple set themselves a two-month walking challenge to boost donations to two charities that are close to their hearts.
Husband and wife Graham and Laura Willis each set out on a fundraising walking challenge.
While Laura signed up to the Walkies Together for Bowel Cancer UK challenge, aiming to walk 43 miles in September to raise £100, Graham signed up to cpmplete Dementia UK’s October dog walking challenge.
Laura said: “The charity is close to my heart as my dad was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer and has had a long journey. When I saw the walking campaign I wanted to do it.
“Although my challenge was last month and Graham’s is this month, we have done all the walks together with our nine-year-old long-haired Chihuahua Lily. She’s loved every minute of it so far.
“My challenge was in September and although the target was 43 miles, we managed to walk 126 miles.
“We thoroughly enjoyed our adventure and knowing we helped raise £100 for a fabulous cause is the icing on the cake.”
Graham added: “When I saw Laura was going to be doing the challenge, I decided to do it myself, but wanted to raise money for Dementia UK as my aunt and my uncle and dad all had it so I wanted to do my bit.
“I set myself a bit of a bigger target, I want to do 120 kilometres in October and hope to raise £150.
“Just £8 can cover the telephone costs for two families seeking support through Dementia UK’s free helpline and I wanted to raise the money to help ensure no family faces it alone.”
The couple have set up individual online fundraising pages.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to Laura’s campaign should visit: https://fundraise. bowelcanceruk.org.uk/fundraisers/laurawillis/walkies-together.
To make a donation to Graham’s challenge visit: www.facebook. com/donate/1509599283013451/10161789491347628/
