A group of men from Carlisle are preparing to take on a demanding 48-mile walking challenge this weekend to support a city family.
Organised by Man v Fat Football Carlisle, the 48 for 48 challenge, will take place on Saturday January 10 and Sunday January 11, with participants covering a direct 48-mile route from the Lake District to Harraby 3G.
The walk has been organised in support of Laura Wiedman, the wife of one of the players.
Laura is currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy for a rare form of sarcoma.
Only around 48 people a year are diagnosed, which is where the challenge takes its name, one mile for every case.
The route includes significant elevation, long periods of night walking and freezing winter conditions, making it a serious physical and mental test.
One experienced former mountaineer, shown the route and timings, described the challenge as “undoable”, but the group said they remained undeterred.
What makes the challenge even more remarkable is the timescale and the people taking it on.
From the initial decision to setting foot on the route, the men have had just six weeks to plan, prepare and train. In addition, the majority of participants are Man v Fat Football players, who joined the weight-loss programme while overweight, unfit or lacking confidence.
Organiser Barry Cannon said: “Taking on a demanding winter walk of this scale represents a significant step outside our comfort zones. But we’re doing it to show Laura, and our teammate Glen, that they aren’t alone.”
Laura’s husband, Glen, said: “All funds we manage to raise will go to Sarcoma UK, a small charity that doesn’t receive the same level of funding as the more widely known cancer charities.”
“Laura and I are truly overwhelmed by the incredible support from the Man v Fat Carlisle community. This challenge is going to be a massive undertaking for everyone involved regardless of their starting point.
“We are incredibly grateful for the sponsorship contributions from everyone so far and Sarcoma UK will truly appreciate it.
“Doing a 48 mile challenge is no small undertaking and I’m looking forward to hopefully being there at the end.
“Some participants will walk the full 48 miles, while others will complete one or more stages, but every mile will require preparation, resilience and teamwork.”
The challenge has already received strong backing from local businesses, with headline sponsors including local businesses Flexirental, Jopsons Jewellers, Solar Maintenance Services, RAW Insurance, Quokka Media Group and Cannon Gardens and Landscapes.
Combined with donations from members of the public, over £4,300 has now been raised in just three weeks.
The team is still encouraging sponsorship from members of the public and businesses.
Barry said the response from the participants and community had been overwhelming.
He added: “This is a tough challenge in anyone’s book, but what makes it special is the reason behind it. We’re doing this for a local family and for a charity where support genuinely makes a difference.
“The way people and businesses have stepped up already says a lot.”
The men will share updates throughout the walk, with live progress and fundraising shared on social media.
Anyone wishing to support the challenge can donate via the JustGiving page, with every contribution going directly to Sarcoma UK, at www.justgiving.com/page/48-for-48-cumbria.
