A first-of-its-kind family fell-walking challenge is coming to Keswick to raise vital funds for multiple sclerosis (MS) on 29 September.
Outdoors-loving couple Yvonne and Duncan Booth have created the ‘Family 5in5’ following the hugely successful ‘10in10’ and ‘5in5’ events which have helped them raise over £400,000 for the MS Society since Duncan’s MS diagnosis in 2010.
Organiser Yvonne Booth – who wants to get the whole community thinking differently about walking – said: “Whether you’re eight or 88, the new ‘Family 5in5’ is for absolutely everyone. Duncan and I want to show non-walkers that tackling the fells isn’t boring and, if you can put one foot in front of the other, you can do it. Our three sons Leo 15, Xander 11 and Jude 9 will be accompanying their Grandad as tail walkers on the day.
“We’re so proud to have raised over £400,000 for the MS Society – when we first started our events no one really knew what MS was, now the whole of Keswick do! Every day is a massive challenge for Duncan, but we’re always looking for new ways to challenge ourselves and others while raising vital funds for pioneering research.”
Participants will tackle the eight-mile walk which takes in five peaks; Causey Pike (637m), Scar Crags (672m), Outerside (568m), Stile End (447m) and Barrow (455m) and will start and finish at the Swinside Inn.
On the day families have the added challenge of spotting hidden slate paintings by local artist Marianne Toth. And, if people are lucky, they’ll spot the infamous spaniel duo, Max and Paddy.
Walkers will also be able to enjoy homemade cakes, sausage rolls and a selection of soft drinks at a pop-up feed station in the mountains.
Emma Whitcombe, Executive Director of Fundraising at the MS Society, says: “We’re wishing Yvonne and Duncan the very best of luck for the new ‘Family 5in5’ challenge. The MS Society is driving research into more – and better – treatments, and their tremendous energy and skills will help us reach our goal. Together, we’re strong enough to stop MS.”
More than 100,000 people in the UK have multiple sclerosis (MS), with a further one in 4 likely to know someone affected. Symptoms can affect how a person walks, moves, sees, thinks, and feels, but are unpredictable and different for everyone.
For more information and to sign up to the ‘Family 5in5’, sponsored by George Fisher Keswick, visit: http://www.10in10.org.uk/events/family-5in5-challenge/
