A GROUP of dale friends have completed a 26-mile hike and raised almost £4,000 for charity.
Andrew Matthews, Hayley Matthews, Nigel Mawer, Alison Mawer, Lisa Marshall and Suzanne Tweddle completed the Lake District Mighty Hike in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. The team’s efforts raised £3,974.28 for the charity. Ms Tweddle, who lives in Barnard Castle, said: “It was absolutely fantastic. We had glorious weather. It was incredibly hot but we were really well looked after by Macmillan. We were fed and watered all the way.
“The scenery and the views were fantastic. The atmosphere was brilliant too. It was one of the best things I have ever done.”
The route started at Dalemain House and Gardens, in Penrith, and finished at Lowther Castle. It took the team about 11 hours to complete. Ms Tweddle said: “It took us longer than we thought but I think it was because of the heat. It was quite precarious and you had to watch where you were walking as the ground was uneven. We all set a steady pace.
“It felt amazing to finish. We all crossed the line together holding hands. It was a real sense of achievement. It was nice doing something as a team. We all supported each other and we met and spoke with other walkers along the way too. It was a great experience.”
The group boosted their fundraising efforts with a coffee morning in April. They set a target of £3,000 but never expected to reach it.
Ms Tweddle added: “We have been blown away by the support we’ve had and the people who have got behind us.
“People have been so generous. It is such a good cause. It is one of those things that touches everyone nowadays. We would like to thank everyone for their support.”
