A GROUP of 15 village cricketers completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks charity walk to raise funds for their club and help those with Motor Neurone Disease.
The players, from Aldbrough St John CC, accomplished the 25-mile hike in less than the 12-hour target.
Some £2,000 was raised by the time the walk was completed, with more still coming in.
The club will receive £1,000 with the remainder – likely to be more than £1,500 – going to the Motor Nuerone Disease Association.
The challenge, which usually starts in Horton-in-Ribblesdale in the Yorkshire Dales, takes in Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside – Yorkshire highest hill – and Ingleborough.
Totalling 24 miles and 1,585 metres of ascent, the route is famous across Britain as a charity feat set in beautiful scenery.
Club member Michael Priestley, who organised the walk, said that the club wants to raise awareness and funds for the MND Association, while plans are also afoot for improvements to the ground in Aldbrough.
“MND is a horrible condition and can affect anyone,” said Mr Priestley.
“When I heard that £300 could help fund six days’ of lab equipment and research to study the cause of MND I thought that sounded like very worthwhile work to support.”
Aldbrough St John CC’s last charity event was a 14-mile hike up Scafell Pike in April 2017, when more than £3,300 was raised, with £1,800 going to the Great North Air Ambulance.
Mr Priestley said that the weather in the Yorkshire Dales proved to be better than the Lake District in 2017.
“We were blessed with glorious weather, although it was very cold and windy at the top of Pen-y-ghent at eight o’clock in the morning,” he said.
“We were joined by friends and players along the way and ages ranged from six to over 60.”
He added: “Money is still coming in for the walk.
“It’s been marvellous to see the generosity of the people of the Tees valley and fellow cricketers in the Darlington and District League – thank you to everyone.”
