This year, St Luke’s 16th annual sponsored walk took place over the magnificent Shropshire Hills; Long Mynd; Wenlock Edge; Stiperstones and Clee Hills. Our ambitious participants set off on their five day journey on Thursday 28 April and returned on Monday 2 May.
Participants aged all the way from their 30’s to their 80’s were involved. The 72-mile long challenge has raised over £80,000 as a result of their exceptional efforts.
Walker, John Flint (far left), 74 years old says, ‘I have done every walk since the annual walks started 16 years ago except one. I started in the first place because my late wife suggested I do this when she was a nurse for St Luke’s in Harrow View and she also continued to work for St Luke’s when they moved to Kenton, but then she sadly died as a patient. I feel I was quite a successful walker and although I have lost a few toe nails along the course, I know they will grow again and I am already looking forward to next year’s walk!’
Walker, Graeme Tagg says, ‘I did the walk for the first time because my dad passed away in 2007 and he had stayed in St Luke’s for a bit. My mum did three of these walks and was a great supporter of St Luke’s but she passed away last year. St Luke’s is a fantastic place and did really well for my dad and is great for patients and their families. People should support them because it is a local charity which is independently run and does not receive much government funding. The walk was a great experience and I felt it was very rewarding but tiring!’
Walker, Joan Roy says, ‘My first walk was the Ridgeway in 1997 and I have done some but not all the walks since then. They have all been notable in the fact that we are walking for a great cause, we are with people who are friendly and sociable. There is a great sense of camaraderie and the Shropshire Way was, I believe, the most challenging to organise. It was worth every little bit.’
St Luke’s Annual Walks event organiser, Lesley Dodd says, ‘This year’s walk, although one of the hardest undertaken, in respect of challenges for the walkers and logistics for the organisers – was without doubt also one of the best. Over the course of five days walkers had to climb over 2,000m, fulfil their chosen mileage, and climb over countless stiles (34 on the first day alone). Thank you to all walkers for getting to the finish line in good spirits, and to the wonderful back-up team, first-aider, sweepers who supported and made sure they all finished safely.’
