Walkers Rise To The Challenge

17 Jul 2019

Wet and windy weather did nothing to deter the 131 walkers who bravely took part in the Francis House Children’s Hospice charity challenge to tackle the Cheshire Three Peaks.

An enthusiastic group of locals from The Hesketh pub in Cheadle Hulme, joined by family and friends, raised an impressive £2,000 in sponsorship.

Among them company director Chris Syddall, from Cheadle Hulme, whose own son Max was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2012.

Chris Syddall Rachael Syddall Max Syddall

Fortunately, the tumour was benign, but following the scare Chris, 55, threw himself into fundraising for charity and in 2013 ran the London Marathon for Francis House.

“If I can do my bit to support a worthy cause then I’m up for all the different types of fundraising. Francis House and other charities I support organise such fantastic events that it makes it easy to get people involved,

“I’m the guy at the pub who winds everybody up and tells them what they’re doing and when, but it’s always meant to be fun. Friends and regulars at The Hesketh are all great sports and we make a day of it, meeting in the pub car park and car sharing to the location,” he said.

Other eager participants – including groups from The Lowry Outlet, Select Transport and Ivanti in Daresbury – gathered at Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre in Macclesfield to embark on a 13.6 mile route, covering Tegg’s Nose, Shutlingsloe and Shining Tor.

Team Hesketh

Some opted instead for a shorter 6.5 mile scavenger route but found more than just a gentle stroll lying in wait.

Chris added: “The Cheshire Three Peaks challenge is so well organised by Francis House it really is a great day. Being joined by Max and my daughter Rachael made it a real family affair. The last forty minutes we were hit by torrential rain and it is a long walk of over 5 hours – but then it wouldn’t be a challenge otherwise.”

Along the way, walkers were treated to fruit and snacks kindly donated by ASDA Reddish and Tesco East Didsbury, plus delicious lunch packs prepared by Tegg’s Nose Tea Room.

Despite the tricky terrain and wet conditions, all walkers returned with smiling faces.

Royal Bank of Scotland employee Simon Sayers from Manchester, set a new record, whizzing round the route in just four hours.

The annual event has raised more than £7,300 for the hospice, which will go towards the day-to-day running costs.

Rachel Astill, event organiser at Francis House, said: “Francis House supports more than 500 families from across the North West including approximately 60 from the Stockport area. Thank you to everyone who faced up to the challenge of the Cheshire Three Peaks for going that extra mile to support their local children’s hospice.”

Chris and The Hesketh pub regulars have already pledged to take part again next year.

Anyone interested in the 2020 challenge scheduled for Sunday, June 14, can contact the hospice on 0161 443 2200.