Four Cumbrian college workers have so far raised £2,600 for a county mental health charity by walking the 85-mile Hadrian’s Wall in just six days.
Victoria Christie, Dawn Moorish, Karen Wond and Elaine Dickinson, who work together at Lakes College in Lillyhall, near Workington, decided to attempt the walk as it was a bucket list item for Karen.
They said: “Once the decision had been made to do it, we immediately agreed that we should use the opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause.
“We all agreed that we wanted to choose a smaller local charity or organisation as we thought any funds and awareness raised would have a greater impact.
“We were also in agreement that we would prefer a mental health charity preferably one that helps children and young people and Always Another Way fits the bill perfectly.
“None of us were seasoned hikers and had to put in a lot of training for months before embarking on the walk, but we were still met with challenges that none envisaged.
“We each struggled with different things, namely blisters (we had no idea how painful multiple blisters could be), insect bites, sunburn, exposure to the elements bad knees/hips/backs (none of us are spring chickens), but despite the pain and difficulty, we managed to complete the 85-mile trail in six days.
“Some days were harder than others, 20 miles over fells and countless crags in the blazing sun with a 7kg backpack and feet more tape than skin is no easy feat for seasoned walkers, let alone rank amateurs!
“Despite all the difficulties, we met so many wonderful people along the way and were overjoyed to have completed a challenge such as this.
“We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support we have received from family, friends, and even total strangers. All the donations and messages of support along the way really meant the world to us and I’m sure we wouldn’t have been able to complete the task without those messages of support, good wishes, and screams not to give up.
“The experience was a great one in terms of the personal challenge and the opportunity to raise funds and awareness for Always Another Way, but I don’t think any of us will be taking up intense hiking as a full-time hobby!”
Always Another Way offers support including groups for adults and young people, one-to-one support, coping strategies, walking football in Workington and Whitehaven, alternative and complementary therapies, and mental well-being awareness sessions.
Lyn Cavaghan, executive officer, said: “The money raised by our lovely Lakes ladies will help so many local people at a critical time in their lives, we are so very grateful and humbled that they chose Always Another Way.
“They should be very proud of what they achieved.”
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