TWO walkers from Wheelers Electrical in Westbury have completed the Mendip Challenge, a 26 hour walk from Uphill, Weston-Super-Mare, to Frome.
The walk was in aid of Harry’s Hydro Appeal, a project which is building a special heated pool to offer hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and multisensory stimulation in Frome. Although the Harry’s Hydro building is well under construction and is now roofed in, the charity is still short of funds to complete the fitting out of the building and the car park and site works.
Claire Hewish and Stuart Ackland from Wheelers Electrical were among the group of five walkers, including charity trustee Peter Bennett, who tackled the challenge.
Claire said, “I think it took around 26 hours including stops, and I think the walking part was just over 24 hours. It was very tiring and very difficult – a number of us had done the three peaks and it was as difficult – and quite interesting in the dark – the signage in places isn’t very clear and it’s very easy to get lost!
“Peter and I had attempted the challenge last year but didn’t complete it, so this time we decided to get a team together to see if we could do it for charity. It was upsetting failing the first time, so to complete it now is a huge achievement. We also had a couple of support team members who I have to thank – Jenny Bennett and Mike Hewish – we couldn’t have done it without them coming to meet us and feed us and giving us everything we needed.
“We’re still counting but we’re hoping the total raised will be around £2,000.”
You can still sponsor Claire, Stuart, and the team by visiting www.harryshydro.org, where there is a link to Just Giving.
Pictured: left to right, the walking team; Peter Bennett, Claire Hewish, Stewart Ackland, Angie Deegan and Sally Brooker.