Charity walk raises £3k

The brave bunch all work for the Co-operative in stores throughout the local area, including Aston.

They set off from the Aston store on Worksop Road on Saturday morning, with the aim of reaching Skegness 75-miles away just 26-hours later.

The walkers were blessed with good weather as the sun shone down on them most of the way apart from a couple of sharp showers.

But unfortunately the distance proved to be a step too far for the walkers, with only one of the daring dozen making it close to the outskirts of the Lincolnshire seaside town.

“The walker who got the furthest managed to do 59 miles in 21-hours, which is still a great achievement,” said Aston store manager and fellow walker John Marsh.

“I managed to walk for around 19 hours and most of the other people in the group did around 15 hours.”

“I think it went really well considering that only two of the people this year had done last year’s walk to Cleethorpes, so they all did great.”

“Everyone wanted to finish but the blisters became a big problem,” added John.

“There are people who are still hobbling around at work this week.”

This is the fourth annual walk the store has organised to raise funds for charity, with all the money raised this year going to Mencap.

Mencap works with people with learning disabilities to change laws, challenge prejudice and support them to live their lives as they choose.

As well as helping people get a job, find a home, or manage their finances the charity runs day centres and respite care and also lobbies the Government.

“We have raised £3,000 for Mencap so far, the same as last year, which is just great,” added John.

“But a special mention must go to Angela Broadhead who works at our Manvers Road store.”

“Angela managed to raise £1,500 all on her own, which is an absolutely outstanding performance and we are all really proud of her.”

And far from being put off by the experience, many of this year’s walkers are already chomping at the bit to have another go next year.

“We are thinking that we will just do the walk to Cleethorpes again next year, which is about 60 miles away,” added John.

“Although people are still a bit sore, they all enjoyed it and are really enthused about trying again next year and getting over the finish line.”

“And I hope we just raise just as much money again for another good cause.”

n To find out more about Mencap and what they do visit www.mencap.org.uk. To find Mencap services near you call 0300 333 1111.