KEEP fit enthusiasts trekked across the Lake District to thank a cancer charity for supporting their friend.
Fit4life Fitclub based in Knutsford and Altrincham took on the Lake District MacMillan Mighty Hike round Ullswater and raised £7,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
The 25-mile hike with 3,200 feet of elevation was completed by the team of 11, who were overjoyed with the amount that they have raised.
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Fit4Life organiser and personal trainer Ian Seddon said: “The training beforehand became days out with friends and then on the day it was one of the best experiences for all sorts of reasons.
“I love these guys. What an amazing achievement.”
Tony Collier, one of the group who is being treated for terminal prostate cancer, said “I’m incredibly grateful for Ian and my friends from Fitclub for taking part and raising so much for Macmillan.
“I’ve been supported, since my diagnosis, by Macmillan funded clinical nurse specialists and they do an amazing job for which I’m grateful.
“The money that we and the other mighty hikers have raised is so vital to Macmillan.
“I’m glad we have been able to help whilst sharing an amazing, epic day.”
Tony and the team were among 2,000 people from across the UK taking part in the epic marathon.
Covid-19 forced the cancellation of Mighty Hikes in 2020, losing the charity fundraising income at a time when people living with cancer needed Macmillan’s support more than ever.
Macmillan Mighty Hikes senior programme manager Helen Hancock said: “Mighty Hikes have always been popular because of the outstanding scenic mountain and coastal locations and first class catering and organisation.
“We’re delighted that many participants chose to defer their cancelled 2020 place and we’ve had huge demand from people new to the event for this summer’s series with very few places still available.
“Mighty Hike season will be a time of renewed optimism with people seizing every opportunity to get out there and live their life and make a difference.
“This is what Macmillan Mighty Hikes are all about.”
Participants pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship of £250.
All receive a Macmillan walking top,regular refueling stops with snacks and drinks, fully catered lunch, a clearly marked route, medical assistance, hot food at the end for reviving tired legs – a glass of bubbly and a well-deserved medal.
For comprehensive cancer information and support visit www.macmillan.org.uk.
A support line is open seven days a week 8am to 8pm on 0808 808 0000.
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