Council workers’ £2,000 boost for cancer charity

12 September 2024

Cheshire East Council staff have raised more than £2,000 for a cancer charity after completing the gruelling Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.

A team of officers ‘dug deep’ for the 24.5-mile sponsored walk to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. It takes in the three summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, with a combined elevation of 1,585m or 5,200ft.

Rob Polkinghorne, chief executive of Cheshire East Council and one of the team of 13 who took part in the fundraising challenge, said: “A huge congratulations to the dedicated Cheshire East Council team who completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge at the weekend.

“Our determination and teamwork not only saw us conquer the peaks but also raise more than £2,000 for Cancer Research UK. 

“Your dedication and effort are truly inspiring and we are so proud to have you all as part of our council team. Thank you for making a difference and supporting such a vital cause.”

Team member Susie Roberts said: “Staff used their own time to train and for the event itself. I had experience of family members with cancer – so it felt very personal and important to do.

"As a consultant in public health, I am also conscious of taking every advantage of getting into nature and motivating myself to be physically active. It was a brilliant way to get to know some more lovely people from across the council staff team, too.

“The team all pulled together with everyone pitching in arranging ‘prep’ walks, transport, and accommodation, the Just Giving fundraising page and getting the banners for the walk itself. Everyone got on really well – and I would love to join more walks or challenges in the future.”

The fundraising team consisted of: Sharron Tew, Vicky Crocket, Tony Haskell, Cat Guy, Amy Thompson, Ami Fenwick-Calabrese, Susie Roberts, Nik Darwin, Jack Chedotal, Martyn Baggaley, Alice Clark, Tracey Bettaney and Rob Polkinghorne.

To donate money to Cancer Research UK and boost the groups fundraising effort, visit their Just Giving webpage.