Team RPC steps out for Macmillan

It was a hot and sticky mid-June day, the hills were steep and rocky, but the RPC team took on the Macmillan Lake District Mighty Hike, raising funds for a terrific cause – and collectively smashed it!

When James first suggested doing a sponsored Mighty Hike in February the team was quick to jump on board. Maybe we didn’t all read the brief fully to realise that the Lake District route is one of the most challenging on offer, but 17 of us signed up and started (or started to think about) getting in training. 

Macmillan Cancer Support holds 12 Mighty Hikes a year in some of the most beautiful parts of the UK and our Marathon around Ullswater in the Lakes was definitely a spectacular route. The money raised from these events helps Macmillan Cancer Support to help people with cancer to live life as fully as they can. £1202 pays for a Macmillan nurse for a week, £264 for a Macmillan Support Worker for two days, £420 will fund a medium Macmillan benefits advice service for a day: real meaningful support – physical, financial and emotional – when people need it the most. 

Our team was part of a group of 1200 walkers, setting off in waves from Dalemain House and Gardens and following a 24.9-mile route (with an elevation gain equivalent to scaling Scafell Pike!) around the lake to finish at Lowther Castle. The front-runners of Chris Woodbridge, Nathan Lambert and Rich Garnett quickly opened a gap from the more leisurely walkers and they finished in the top 100 for the day. Elsewhere in the group, Neil was nursing a dodgy knee and Fionn was collecting blisters. Everyone needs a hobby. 

Most dramatic exit of the day has to go to Pete, who slipped and rolled off the edge of the path. We have to thank the gorse bush that caught him, the team of fellow walkers who helped to haul him out, Simon Thom for going back in to rescue his limited-edition Oracle Red Bull cap, and the Mighty Hike Marshalls for swooping into action to look after him. He finished the day a bit bruised and scratched, but with his sense of humour intact and a resolution to delete any further invitations to fun excursions from James. 
 
The terrain was tough, but the team spirit was astonishing and we’re so proud of everyone from RPC who took part.  

We’d like to thank everyone who has supported us with donations, advice and encouragement along the way. Our fundraising total is still creeping up and it’s not too late to donate if you wish. Every little really means a lot and helps to make the aching muscles and joints worthwhile.   

Thank you all, and well done, Team RPC. 

If you would like to donate, click here.