After several weeks of planning and organisation the long-awaited 20 mile sponsored walk to Cheddar from Peasedown St John is just around the corner.
On Saturday 3rd May, up to fifty people will take part in the challenge to raise funds for Peasedown cancer sufferer, 30-year old Becci McCafferty.
Ever since she was told the devastating news at the end of last year, local people have showed overwhelming support for the young mum and her family, and a whole host of fundraising events have been held across the area.
Despite being diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer Becci remains positive. No stranger to a challenge, she is well known around the community for campaigning against unwanted housing developments, helping to organise Party in the Park, and has spent many mornings leading community clean-up events.
Karen Walker, a close family friend and Vice-Chairman of the parish council, has led the fundraising efforts.
She said: “Cancer is a terrifying illness that not only affects those who have it, but their family and friends as well.
“Despite years of research a universal cure still hasn’t been found, so until that time we must try our best to support those who suffer from cancer and try to ensure their time left living is as comfortable and enjoyable as it can be.”
Karen announced at the beginning of April that in just six weeks of fundraising, more than £4,000 had already been raised or pledged.
She added: “We’ll reveal the final total at the Waggon and Horses Inn on Saturday 17th May, 7pm, at our special presentation evening for the McCaffertys.”
All funds raised hope to pay for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disneyland Florida for Becci and her family, and also contribute towards other things the family may need whilst she is ill.
Fundraising has been met thus far thanks to:
- Red Post Inn Charity Quiz Night – £150
- Prince of Wales Inn Charity Quiz Night – £180
- Faulkland Inn Auction of Promises – £850
- Anonymous donation – £1,000
- Match-fund pledge from Barclays Bank – £1,000
- Peasedown Residents Association clothes sale – £260
- Other donations – £500 +
The idea of the sponsored walk first came about thanks to Peasedown resident Adalaide Quill, who knows first-hand how cancer can affect a family, as her daughter was diagnosed with the disease when she was small.
She said: “Becci has always helped others and as a friend, I felt that we should do all we can and get as many people together as possible to help the family.”
Anyone can take part in the walk. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
To help cover event costs participants are asked to contribute a suggested £5 administration fee for everyone aged 16 and over.
Local councilor Nathan Hartley is taking part, and will act as pacemaker for the challenge.
He said: “Walking 20 miles isn’t easy, which is why we are advising people only to take part if they feel fit and well to do so, and participants should wear suitable footwear and clothing.
“Running High, organisers of the Bath Half Marathon, have kindly donated 100 bottles of water, but people will still need to bring plenty of their own water and protein/carbohydrate foods with them.”
Everyone will be given a map, with information & guidance, and provided with details of toilet and water station locations.
Nathan added: “We are due to arrive in Cheddar at 6pm after 8 hours of walking. Thanks to the generosity of Arleen Coach Hire Ltd we will be collected and taken back to Peasedown St John.”
The sponsored walk will leave the village at 9.30am on Saturday 3rd May from Peasedown Youth Centre.
Anyone wishing to take part should arrive by 9am to register and receive safety information from Emergency Response GTP, who will be providing 3 emergency vehicles on the day.
