Hikers break record in 'gruelling' challenge for veterans
Hikers taking on the Cumbrian Challenge for Walking With the Wounded, on behalf of east of England heating firm Gasway
Hikers reached new heights of fundraising at a Lake District trek to help armed forces veterans and their families.
Around 35 employees of heating company Gasway and its parent group, Flagship Group, took part in the Cumbrian Challenge, raising more than £37,000 for Stody-based charity Walking With the Wounded (WWTW).
Among them was Andy Merrill, Gasway’s head of group and electrical operations, who said he was proud of everyone who took part in May 18 walk, and especially those who did the ‘toughest’ walk of 28km (7.3 miles) and 1,700 ascent metres.
Mr Merrill said: “We found it really difficult but got a lot out of it, and we set a new fundraising record for the three years that Gasway has been an event sponsor.
“That was extra challenging given the cost-of-living crisis. It has been a sterling effort from everyone involved.”
From left, Mark Holden, Andy Merrill, Dave Pickerden, and Andy Kaye - one of the Gasway teams taking part in the Cumbrian Challenge for north Norfolk-based charity Walking With the Wounded (Photo: Walking With The Wounded)
The seven-hour hike had a special significance for Mr Merrill, who had a heart attack in October 2022.
Mr Merrill, 52 and from Norwich, said: “I was still recovering during last year’s challenge and I couldn’t take part, so they took a cardboard cutout of me to the top instead.
“The heart attack changed my outlook on life. Saturday’s walk was the most gruelling thing I’ve done since then, and I was pretty emotional by the end of it.”
Tony Hulton, WWT’s chief executive, said: “It was a brilliant weekend and truly wonderful to see such unwavering support from the Armed Forces community, corporate partners and WWTW supporters.
“The funds raised from the event this weekend will make a tangible difference to the lives of those who served. Thank you for your commitment to supporting veterans and their families.”
Gasway hikers taking on the Cumbrian Challenge for Walking With the Wounded
The charity aims to support ex-service personnel and their families who have “fallen the furthest” - people who are struggling with mental health issues, unemployment or homelessness.
It seeks to reignite their sense of purpose, enabling them to make a positive contribution to their communities and lead independent lives.
Each of Gasway's teams was sponsored by one of its partner companies. James Betts, operations director at one of the team sponsors, Aspen Build East Anglia, said: "Aspen are delighted, if not a little exhausted to have completed the Cumbrian challenge in aid of Walking With The Wounded.
"Men’s mental health is a very dear cause to Aspen. With suicide risk being 3.7 times the national average for those in the construction industry, being able to help raise funds for another disproportionately effected group is an honour.
"18 miles in the mountains with the team from Flagship is its own kind of therapy which I am personally grateful for, and tough as the tougher route was, much like the cause we walked in aid of, the real battle was mental."
