Fundraisers prepare to walk along Hadrian’s Wall for local hospice

(Credit of Photo: Historyhit.com)

This spring a group of fundraisers from Carlisle College will follow in over 2,000 years of history as they walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall in aid of Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.

On Wednesday 1 April, a group of 20 staff and students from Carlisle College will begin the 84 mile walk from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend. During the four day challenge the group of fundraisers will cross rugged moorland, rolling fields, and urban landscapes of Cumbria and Northumberland as they raise money for Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.

Grant Glendinning, Principal at Carlisle College, explained, “Personally, I have had colleagues and friends who have benefitted from hospice care. As a group we feel very strongly about championing the work of Jigsaw and we want to help make sure that the children and young adults at Jigsaw receive the best care. We all live in Carlisle and the surrounding area and are keen to support the work of the children’s hospice.

“The Hadrian’s Wall Walk is a significant challenge which will put us to the test. I am passionate about Hadrian’s Wall and hope to pass this passion onto the students, I want the challenge to be educational. We are all outdoors types of people and I hope the students will learn from the experience too.”

The coast to coast walk, which passes through some of England’s most beautiful and dynamic landscapes, will be a big challenge for all the fundraisers taking part. Along the route they will enjoy the sights and history at Birdoswald, Vindolanda, Housteads and Chesters Roman Forts, all whilst raising money for the local charity.

Grant continued, “I have completed the walk in April previously and it was wonderful experience with the lambs gambling about in the fields, I’m hoping the weather will be kind again. The walk has changed since I last walked it. We are all looking forward to doing something positive for charity and I am sure it will be good crack with the staff and students along the way.

“Carlisle College and Newcastle College are members of the same group, and we will be passing Newcastle College on the way to Wallsend. So I am hoping they will provide us with some refreshments as we pass the college.

“The walk is more of a challenge than you think and the last two days will be tough. There will be moments when it will be tough and we will have to motivate each other as we go along.”

The money raised by the Carlisle College fundraisers completing the Hadrian’s Wall Walk will help the children’s hospice to provide the highest standards of care, support and activities to children and young adults with life limiting illnesses. This care and compassion is extended to all the children and young adults family, friends and carers. If you would like to sponsor Team Carlisle College as they support Jigsaw please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/grant-glendinning

Jigsaw is the children’s hospice for Cumbria. From Workington to Appleby, Barrow-in-Furness to Carlisle, Jigsaw provides unique care and support to children and young adults with life limiting illnesses.

Grant concluded, “Thank you everybody who wants to support our fundraising challenge, the donations you make will be going to a fantastic cause. I would also like to thank all the staff at Jigsaw for the care they provide.”

If you would like to undertake your own fundraising challenge in aid of Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice please visit www.jigsawhospice.org or contact the Fundraising Team on 01228 817656.