HUNDREDS of fundraisers have topped almost £20,000 in this year’s Examiner Charity Challenge.

More than 400 walkers, cyclists, buggy pushers, wheelchair users and horse riders got some fresh air in their lungs to raise £19,988.77 for good causes.

The 23rd annual event, organised by The Examiner and the Huddersfield Lions club, was this year held at Lepton Highlanders Sports and Social Club.

There was a choice of challenges for fundraisers, including three, seven and 12-mile walks, three cycle routes and a horse route.

Wheelchair and pushchair routes were hosted at Beaumont Park.

This year participants enjoyed dry conditions as the recent inclement weather disappeared to be replaced by sunshine and light winds.

At the finishing line many walkers said they had enjoyed the scenery and looking across to the Emley Moor mast as they did their bit for charity.

Jo Naylor, who was raising cash for her charity Talkthru, which helps with baby equipment and advice, said: “The views were amazing and it didn’t rain!

“I’ve been doing the walk for 12 years now and we find it an excellent way of raising money for our charity.

“I think it’s fantastic that the Examiner puts it on to help us and we’ll definitely be back next year.”

Janette Brier, who walked with Jo, added: “It wasn’t as hard as the Meltham route and the views were just stunning.”

John Taylor, 73, took on the seven-mile route to help raise cash for brain damaged children.

The Almondbury man said: “We actually did eight miles because we went wrong, so the people that sponsored us by the mile will have to pay more!

“It’s hard work for an old man like me but we’re trying to raise £20,000 for kids that need operations.

“It was a brilliant experience apart from getting lost, but it’s good practice as we intend to do the Three Peaks and maybe climb Mount Kilimanjaro.”

Linsey Reynolds, from Quarmby, took on the seven-mile route with her sister and friends.

The group of five raised more than £300 for The Eve Appeal, a charity bidding for better detection and improved treatment of gynaecological cancers.

She said: “It was good. I’ve done it three times before but it was a bit harder than we expected.”

Susan Fell completed the walk with her family, husband Winston, daughter Nicola and grandchildren Tilly and Charlie.

The Slaithwaite family raised more than £400 for the Slaithwaite Jubilee Garden project.

Susan said: “It was a nice day for it, not too hot, no rain and not much wind, they were ideal conditions.”

“It was much better than last year when it was really wet and I was wearing shorts,” added Charlie.