Wakefield Samaritans walked 26.2 miles to raise money for the branch.
What a fantastic achievement! 26.2 miles in one day completed by around 20 valiant walkers from various businesses, organisations and areas of the community. The route through our local districts led the walkers to Ryhill, Hemsworth, Pontefract, Normanton and back to Wakefield. Setting off around 8:30am, our walkers battled the elements in what turned out to be a very soggy day. Director of Wakefield Samaritans, James, led the group and kept morale high.
Our walkers still smiling through the rain.
Getting pretty worn out by the 20 mile stage, we lost a few walkers to our recovery vehicle. Their valiant effort was not taken for granted and their achievement is still something to be hugely proud of. Our support team provided water, food, towels and warm drinks at every stop - not to mention encouragement without which I don't think we could have made it! The friendly beeps of horns as cars passed and those stopping to encourage us meant the world to us too. Our friends at Ackworth Garden Centre, Hemsworth Tesco, Pontefract Tesco and The Midland Hotel gave us lovely warm welcomes and made sure we had what we needed to keep going through the adverse weather.
Before the walk began, we were full of energy.
Finally arriving back at the branch, certificates were given as well as special surprise certificates from our amazing support team. These included 'Perkiest Walker' and 'Zombie Feet'. A little worse for wear and in need of a very big rest, our walkers spread the word in the community and reached a huge amount of people while raising money for our branch. We could not be prouder or more thankful to everyone who took part, supported us or donated.