SHE’S (almost) done it. Eleven weeks and 55 miles since she started her challenge, 95-year-old Dr Margaret Bradshaw is about to complete her latest fundraising adventure.
Riding Sigma, the renowned botanist aims to finish the trek on Friday, September 24, at 4pm, back where she started at the Moorcock Inn, Eggleston.
She will be accompanied by her friend Tricia Snaith, on Shada, who undertook the challenge with Dr Bradshaw in sections this summer.
Among the well-wishers greeting them will be botanist John O’Reilly, who set Margaret the challenge.
Funds raised will go towards work to survey and conserve the dale’s unique assemblage of plants, including the famous blue spring gentian and hoary rock-rose. So far the trek has raised about £4,500 towards the £5,000 target.
Dr Bradshaw said: “Many thanks to everyone who has sponsored the trek already and sent messages of encouragement. There is still time to donate.”
Mr O’Reilly himself was also raising funds for the campaign by taking part in this year’s Great North Run.
Dr Bradshaw founded her charity, the Teesdale Special Flora Research and Conservation Trust, to conduct botanical surveys, raise awareness of the dale’s flora and trial methods of protecting their future.
“Upper Teesdale is a treasure house of rare plants, many of which have survived since the last Ice Age,” she said.
“These species I have seen decrease in the 50 years I have studied the rare flora.
“We need to keep recording what is happening to our flora and experiment with ways to halt the shocking level of decline.”
