This year’s 10in10 challenge has raised over £45,000 – and counting – for the MS Society.
Organised by Keswick’s Duncan and Yvonne booth, 400 people took part in the event on Saturday.
From the event base at Swinside Inn in the Newlands Valley, 10in10 Challenge participants followed a 26km route that included Causey Pike, Sail, Crag Hill, Wandope, Whiteless Pike, High Snockrigg, Robinson, Dale Head, High Spy, and Maiden Moor.
Its Family 5in5 Challenge is a shorter hike of 12.9km for walkers of all ages. With the same start and finish point, the route included Causey Pike, Scar Crags, Outerside, Stile End and Barrow.
The event was sponsored by outdoor brand Berghaus and made possible thanks to the efforts of 65 local volunteers, who kept the hikers safe on the fells.
Duncan and Yvonne set up the event over 10 years ago, after Duncan was diagnosed with MS. Over the years, participants have raised over £650,000 and organisers have set their sights on reaching £1m. Over £45,000 has already been raised this year and the total is still rising.
Duncan said: “I am always blown away by how many people turn up each year and walk such a long way, some experienced and some not so experienced.
“Of course, I’d love to be able to walk with them, but I feel proud that so many people are walking to help us find a cure for MS.
“Thanks so much to everybody who supports Yvonne on the day. She works so hard all year round and has an amazing team behind her. I am so proud of my three sons who have grown up with the 10in10 and Family 5in5 and who are now fully involved with helping on the day and afterwards.”
Yvonne added: “The amazing feedback from the participants has been overwhelming and we are already under pressure to open the entries for the next event in 2023.
“We are so grateful to the Swinside Inn for hosting the 10in10 and Family 5in5 each year and Berghaus for sponsoring the event. We cannot thank our support team enough for what they do year on year. We really are like one big family. And a big thank you to our local sponsors too – Keswick Lions, Java Coffee Shop, Caterite, Booths and Kings Church Keswick.
“The weather was perfect for fell walking and we enjoyed live music and a party at the Swinside Inn afterwards. We welcomed lots of new faces to the event in 2022 and can’t wait to see everyone again in 2023. We are getting closer and closer to that £1 million target!”
Although he is no longer able to take part in the hiking challenges, Duncan continues to raise money for the MS Society by fixing up old pedal bikes and recycling them in Keswick. Find out more about the initiative at www.facebook.com/DuncJBooth.
To find out more about the 10in10 or Family 5in5 challenges, visit www.10in10.org.uk/who-we-are
