More than 700 people from across the UK gathered at Keswick Rugby Club last weekend to take part in a fundraising day in memory of a popular north Cumbrian farmer.
Martyn Mawson, 52, a beef and sheep farmer of High Side Farm at the foot of Skiddaw, died in a quad bike accident in May 2020.
His sons James, 22, and Edward, 18, organised the all-day event both to celebrate their dad’s life and to raise money for charities close to his heart.
The initial target was £5,000, but so far an amazing £23,000 has been raised for the Great North Air Ambulance, Keswick Mountain Rescue Team, the Alzheimer’s Society and Prostate Cancer UK.
The day began with James leading around 30 intrepid runners on a half marathon, which included a lung-bursting ascent of Catbells.
It was his 15th such run in as many days leading up to Sunday’s event.
This was followed by rugby match between first teamers, veterans and all-comers from Keswick, Cockermouth and Upper Eden rugby clubs.
“It was a brilliant day and a fantastic turn-out,” James said. “We had busloads of people arriving from all over the country to lend their support, and the club was absolutely bouncing.
“The rugby match was great fun, although nobody knows what the score was.
“We only had one casualty – someone broke their nose – and Edward scored a try, although by that stage everyone was too knackered to tackle him.”
The evening continued with speeches, an auction and a raffle, and concluded with an extended karaoke session which lasted until the early hours.
James said: “It was a fitting tribute to our dad, and I’d like to thank everybody who made the effort to come along and make the day such as success.
“Thanks as well to everybody who contributed so generously to the fundraising – £23,000 is an amazing amount, and more than we ever imagined we would get.”
You can still contribute to the fund at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JamesMawson99
