Keswick to Barrow team leader to take on Barrow to Keswick as well for Ulverston girl Alice Pyne
Last updated at 16:16, Friday, 22 March 2013
ONE gruelling 40-mile Keswick to Barrow (K2B) walk is challenging enough for most people– but the co-ordinator of the largest K2B team is planning a mammoth back-to-back event this year with his late niece as his inspiration.
Alice Pyne’s uncle, Gary Pennington, will walk from Barrow to the start line in Keswick on May 10, the eve of the K2B. The following morning he will line up to do the distance all over again in the great sponsored event.
The Team Alice leader starts his epic challenge on his 47th birthday, in the 47th year of K2B.
He is co-ordinating some 150 walkers in the K2B, and the 23-mile Coniston to Barrow, including family members, who are raising funds for Alice’s Escapes – fulfilling Alice’s dream of providing holidays for seriously ill children and their families.
Courageous Alice fought Hodgkin’s lymphoma for more than five years. She passed away in January, aged 17, leaving the lasting legacy of her charity and campaigning to get more people to sign the bone marrow register.
“I’m doing this for Alice and I’m motivated by helping her charity. I’m also a driven person,” he said.
The 80-mile challenge was decided at the end of last year.
He said: “I told Alice I was going to do the double and therefore I’m going to do it, she thought I was mad as well. Alice has always been at the end of the Keswick to Barrow to see us in. She would loved to have seen this, we had over 100 walkers last year, and this year there is over 150. It would be nice if we could help buy another caravan through the K2B and see how much we can raise.
“A lot of people have seen the charity is a very worthwhile cause and they want to do something to support us. Those who can are walking, those who can’t are the support team. Our support team is the best, they are an invaluable part of Team Alice.
“The K2B is a brilliant event and the organisers do a great job.”
His Barrow to Keswick walk is due to start at 6am. He will have breakfast at the Red Lion, Lowick, and will camp at the start in Keswick.
First published at 16:09, Friday, 22 March 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Have your say
I can recall Gary joking with Alice that he'd have to walk there and back next year ... and also Alice responding with "I'm not saying anything, I know you're mad enough to do it"!
Grit ... Courage ... DeterminationLove Vicky xYes, you are mad Gary, but you encapsulate everything about Alice herself and the purple clad 'Team Alice'. She'd be very, very proud of you ... and just a little bit amused!
Posted by Vicky Pyne on 22 March 2013 at 21:53