A group of 46 walkers raised an incredible £7,321, plus Gift Aid, for the HELP Appeal by taking on the scenic Tissington Trail through the Peak District.
The fundraiser was organised by Graham and Carole Cluer, with support from friends, family and members of their local community.
Carole and Graham first learned about the HELP Appeal’s lifesaving work after joining Denise Rowe and fellow supporters for a 10-mile nighttime walk beside the River Thames.
“It was a marvellous evening, even if it was a little wet!” they said. “As well as raising thousands of pounds, there was a wonderful sense of community.”
Like many people, Carole and Graham had previously assumed that hospital helipads were funded by the NHS. After discovering how the HELP Appeal funds new and upgraded helipads, and learning more about the vital role they play in emergency helicopter transfers, the couple decided to organise a fundraising walk closer to home.
The cause became especially meaningful after their friend and local farmer, Sue Gould, was seriously injured in a tractor accident, bringing the importance of air ambulances and hospital helipads home to the whole village.
On 18 July, walkers from the village and across the country gathered to take on the Tissington Trail, a former railway line winding through the beautiful Peak District.
Photo: Carole and Graham Cluer
For the final five miles, the group was joined by HELP Appeal ambassador and international para-athlete Steve Judge, together with his partner, and Sue Gould. Despite still recovering from a serious accident, Sue amazed everyone with her strength and determination.
“As we clapped Sue across the finish line, it truly felt like a thankful walk for the lifesaving work supported by the HELP Appeal,” said Carole and Graham.
The day was made possible by the generosity of many people. Special thanks go to Boyden’s Coaches and owner Gavin Boyden, who donated the day’s transport and relayed walkers to their different starting points along the trail.
Photo; Steve Judge and Sue Gould
Thanks also go to Steve Judge and his partner for joining the walk, and to the event supporter and her husband, Alastair, who welcomed everyone at the finish with well-earned refreshments.
Denise Rowe from the HELP Appeal added, “It was a fabulous day. We are enormously grateful to everyone who walked, donated or helped make the event possible.”
The £7,321 raised, along with Gift Aid, will help the HELP Appeal continue funding hospital helipads that enable critically ill patients to receive urgent treatment as quickly as possible.
Photo: Denise Rowe (second from right) from the HELP Appeal with our incredible supporters
