Fitness enthusiasts pushed themselves to the limit with a marathon walk in the Peak District.
A 30-strong group from 5S Fitness spent 10 hours hiking between five major peaks, raising £4,000 for East Cheshire Hospice.
Their challenge started and ended at the gym on Hurdsfield Road, taking in a loop of Tegg’s Nose, Shutlingsloe, Shining Tor, Nab Hill and White Nancy.
Walkers about to set off from their gym.
It was a poignant journey for many gym members who have had friends and relatives cared for by the Hospice.
Among them hairdresser Heather Smith, whose late friend Sarah Bell died at the Hospice just over a year ago.
Sarah, who had cancer, passed away a month before her 40th birthday.
Heather said: “Sarah was a dear and beautiful friend and spent the last weeks of her life at the Hospice.
Walkers at the top of Shutlingsloe.
“They were amazing and even let her beloved dog Bailey stay by her side. The care was incredible.
“I wanted to do something to raise money for the Hospice in her memory and it seemed the perfect thing to do.
“I loved the walk. The hardest part was going up Nab Hill and once I saw the last peak it was amazing. I want to thank everyone who made donations.”
Heather Smith (right) enjoying well-earned refreshments with fellow gym member Carly Taylor.
Heather raised £1,816, including donations from clients at Adored Hair, the salon she owns on Chestergate.
The 26-mile hike was organised by gym owner and head coach Jason Curtis, a former Army PT instructor.
Jason said: “We do one big event each year for the Hospice as almost everyone in the gym has some sort of connection with the charity.
“Whenever we mention the Hospice, there’s always a good response and we’ve held virtual challenges over the last couple of years during Covid.
“We thought there’s no point just walking a marathon on the road, as we ‘re right by the Peak District.
“We finished on schedule and even managed a couple of pints at the Cat and Fiddle on the way.
“It was a lethal route, but thankfully we had good weather.
Heather Smith (left) and Jason Curtis present a cheque to East Cheshire Hospice corporate fundraiser Lisa Ball.
“We’ve around 150 members. Some are world class athletes, though most are middle aged and want to get fit and healthy.
“We run all types of strength and conditioning classes, but also get referrals from physios for people with all sorts of ailments, including stroke rehab, osteoporosis and arthritis.”
Some gym members will run the route next year rather than walk.
Back to all newsThank you so much for choosing to support East Cheshire Hospice. You may never know how much your gift means, but we know that it will make the world of difference to our patients and their families.
