Trekkers celebrate their success at Ridgewalk
16 May 2011
This year’s Ridgewalk charity trek took place last weekend at Britain's oldest road, the Ridgeway. It was an emotional time for many trekkers and a hugely successful event for Sense. Money raised will fund Sense's services for children and adults who are deafblind.
In its second year the challenge has grown from strength to strength with 400 participants testing their endurance levels across the terrain of the Ridgeway National Trail throughout the night.
Teams taking part in the 52 mile mega walk were waved off from the camp site in Watlington, Oxfordshire, at 12pm on Saturday and after crossing through two more county lines aimed to reach the finishing line at Barbury Castle in Wiltshire, within 24 hours.
Those taking on the similarly daunting task of the 26 mile mini walk set off under the cover of night, 12am Sunday morning, and aimed to reach the same destination before 12pm.
A huge congratulations go to the Star Trekkers Team who were clear winners, appearing exhausted and limping slightly as the sun was rising, moments after 5am. Head of Community Fundraising, Shad Everett, presented them with their prize and thanked them for their fantastic effort.
Team Captain, Tate Hubert said: ‘We didn’t set out to try to win as we knew it was going to be such a tough challenge so it was a fantastic surprise when we were in the lead at the final check point. The whole event was really well organised and we would like to thank Sense and Global Adventure Challenges for all of their support on the day’
The occasion was too much for many who were overwhelmed by what they had achieved when in the arms of their families, whilst others chose to celebrate with a hearty breakfast after receiving their medal and warm congratulations from the Sense team.
Both support crews and walkers have all excelled themselves this year with their fundraising and the total is getting close to £100,000 with plenty of sponsorship forms still to be collected from supporters.
Shad Everett said: ‘All of our teams have done such a fantastic job with their fundraising this year and it was amazing to see their commitment to our cause both when it came to reaching the finish and asking for sponsorship from friends and family. It is a team event and the atmosphere really reflected that with the support shown for our walkers. The whole 24 hours surpassed our expectations and can only be bigger and better next year!’
A huge thank you goes to all teams who took part in the challenge!