50 miles in 24 hours? Take a hike!

Take a hike for charity

Hikers are being challenged to a 50 mile trek in just 24 hours to raise money for MedEquip4Kids.

The major charity challenge, called “Mega Hike”, is a circular route from Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough through the heart of the Pennines following the Pennine Way and encompassing parts of the famous Mary Townley Loop.

All money raised from Mega Hike will be donated to children's charity MedEquip4Kids.

MedEquip4Kids raises money to buy medical equipment and improve facilities for children's wards and neo-natal units at hospitals across the North West.

The charity is currently fundraising to raise £25,000 for Rochdale Infirmary’s Children’s Unit providing equipment, including six glideaway beds which allow parents to sleep next to their child if having an overnight hospital stay.

The aim of Mega Hike is to complete the trek within 24 hours, leaving at sunrise on Saturday, June 27th - but with an extra challenge of trying to ‘beat the sun' and be back before the sun sets!

MedEquip4Kids Community Fundraiser, Rachel Allen, said: “The Mega Hike is a fantastic and challenging team event for friends, clubs and social groups as well as corporate organisations looking to create some real team bonding - or some light-hearted rivalry between different departments, offices or stores!”

“It is going to be a major event starting from Littleborough and is definitely a challenge, but it is the chance to achieve something potentially life-changing, get fit and make new friends all while raising money for Rochdale Infirmary so the children and babies being treated there are getting the best possible care when sick or injured.”

The route leaves Hollingworth Lake in Littleborough heading towards Blackstone Edge and Hebden Bridge before passing Widdop and Hurstwood reservoirs on the Worsthorne Moors near Burnley. Walkers then follow the Pennine Bridleway through Rossendale Valley crossing Whitworth and Crook Moors before reaching the village of Summit and the final stretch of the challenge.

MedEquip4Kids is looking for teams of four to register for Mega Hike each raising a team total of £1,500 in sponsorship along with a £149 registration fee.

For a registration pack or, for more information, call 0161 798 1600 or visit www.medequip4kids.org.uk.