Hikers hit Cheshire’s hills to raise £15,000 for Francis House Children's Hospice

On one of the warmest days of the year, (Sunday 23rd June) more than 200 walkers ventured out in the heat to support the annual Francis House Cheshire Three Peaks Challenge in Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Macclesfield.

Francis House Children’s Hospice supports the families of children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions providing respite care and a range of palliative care services from its base in Didsbury.

Care is provided by a team of nurses, play specialists, nursery nurses, occupational therapists and creative therapists in a family centred environment as well as in the homes of the families.

With up to 14 miles to cover and several long, steep climbs in their path, the humid conditions made for a tough challenge for the walkers.

Those on the longer route climbed Tegg’s Nose, Shutlingsloe and Shining Tor, clocking up 2828ft of ascent.

Among them were teams from barristers’ chambers Nine St John Street, architects BTP, professional services company Accenture, and packaging agency Pulse Media, as well as families, friend groups and solo hikers.

BTP Architects together with their four-legged friends raised more than £730 in sponsorship.

Emma Cross, Business Development Director at the firm said: “The BTP team thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Francis House Cheshire Three Peaks Challenge. It was a fantastic opportunity to spend time outdoors, collaborate as a team, and contribute to raising funds for this incredible charity that supports vulnerable children, young adults, and their families.”

Community Champions from several local Morrisons stores came together to complete the challenge and raise over £400.

Solo walker Simon Sayers covered the 13.6-mile distance in an impressive time of 3 hours and 38 minutes.

Rachel Nasiri, fundraising officer for Francis House said: “The Francis House Cheshire Three Peaks Challenge is a much-loved event with record breaking numbers of walkers taking part this year.

“Thanks to the support of so many people giving up their Sunday to hike the Cheshire hills we have been able to raise a fantastic amount of money to allow our care team to support some of the most vulnerable children and their families.

“It was a fantastic day and a pleasure to present everyone with their certificates as they returned tired but triumphant to the finish.”

The biggest team of the day was Lucchini Unipart Rail, with 22 walkers participating.

A group of nine teenagers from Wilmslow walked in memory of their friend Amber, raising an incredible £3,943. "It felt like a real accomplishment once we finished, knowing it was for such a good cause," said Ruby Kalayil Peacock.

The event is expected to raise over £15,000 in vital funds for the hospice.

For more information on Francis House and to take part in upcoming events visit www.francishouse.org.uk/get-involved/events