An Ambleside family have raised more than £12,000 for St John’s Hospice by walking more than 100 miles in memory of their beloved wife and mother.
Kathryn Rigg died earlier this year after a battle with cancer and husband Vernon, with daughter Laura Swainson, set out to walk over the hills for 10 consecutive days in her memory.
But they went several steps further, totalling a massive 143 miles over the 10 days.
Add to that the 150 miles they walked in training, and their tally was close to 300 miles.
The longest walk was 18.5 miles. “We had wind and rain in our faces all day but still had a smile on our faces,” said Laura.
Joined on different days by members of the family, especially son Daniel, Vernon and Laura tackled routes around Ambleside, over Loughrigg, Wansfell, and Alcock Tarn, as well as a walk around Derwentwater, and Kathryn’s favourite, at Arnside and Silverdale.
Now their fundraising page will remain open a little longer after the family were able to present a cheque for £12,174.48 to the hospice.
“We are absolutely blown away by the amount we have raised,” said Laura. “This money will enable the hospice to help so many people.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everybody who donated to our walk in memory of our beautiful Kathryn.
“We are keeping our just giving page open for a couple of months for anybody that hasn’t donated who wishes to, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/laura.swainson or give directly to Vernon Rigg.
“Thank you again, it really means the world to us as a family.”
