Staff and members of Physique Fitness, Darlington, walked the Yorkshire Three Peaks in June and achieved an impressive total of £13,193.82 in donations for St Teresa’s Hospice.
The entrants from Physique completed their journey on June 11, becoming the second group to take on the charity trek for St Teresa’s this summer.
A party of 34 walkers tackled the Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, a gruelling 24.5 mile trek totalling 5,200ft of climb that pushed the participants to their limits.
The team raised funds by holding a raffle, asking for sponsorship, and collecting loose change in workplace collection boxes. Many of the entrants far exceeded their personal goals.
Manager of Physique Fitness, Deith Bridges said: “I am extremely proud of all our ‘Physique Family’. I use the word family because it wasn’t just the staff and members who undertook the challenge, it was the contribution of all members who helped with their sponsorship and donations, and also how much they all encouraged those of us taking part to be so determined to complete the walk. A life experience that we won’t forget and all for a super cause in our adopted charity St Teresa’s.”
The Three Peaks was part of a successful series of challenges to raise much-needed funds for the Hospice, which provides free in-patient and community care for people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families in Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire.
Lyn Hatch, Relationships and Marketing Lead at the Hospice, led the way with the new series of challenge events, which included a trio of Three Peaks walks and a 100 mile cycle ride.
Lyn, who joined the Physique team on the day of the walk, said: “I am fortunate to be a member of this fantastic gym so was privy to all the hard work that went into training – mountain hikes in snow included! Members battled terrific winds on the day of the event itself and supported each other with such great spirit to enable them to get round. My thanks go out to Heather Atkinson, Deputy Manager especially for all the organisation in the run up, and support on the day. Everyone should be so proud of what they achieved!”
In total, the challenge events held between May and July are set to raise a combined total of almost £30,000 for the charity. Plans are being made for another series of challenge activities in 2023, including a Lake District Ten Peaks walk. For more information on future events visit www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk or contact the events team on 01325 254321.
