Hundreds turn out for Examiner Charity Challenge - pictures

May 18 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Hundreds turn out for Examiner Charity Challenge

HUNDREDS of fundraisers braved the poor weather to help good causes yesterday.

The 20th annual Examiner Charity Challenge took place in Meltham and Blackmoorfoot.

The event included three sponsored walks, three bike rides, a horse ride, a buggy and wheelchair push and – for the first time – Nordic walking.

Among the charities to benefit were Huddersfield Cancer Support, Kirkwood Hospice and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Organiser Bob Armitage was delighted with the turnout despite the overcast skies and occasional rain. He said: “It’s gone well. We had around 600 people who registered and many more who came on the day. I’m pleased with the turnout.”

Bob added that the challenge, now in its 20th year, was an ideal way for people to raise money for their favourite good cause.

He said: “The idea is that we organise an event which allows as many groups as possible to raise as much money as possible without any effort for them – except the effort of finding sponsors.

“We do the rest.”

Most of yesterday’s events took place from Meltham Sports and Community Centre on Mean Lane. There were the usual four-mile and seven-mile walking routes and a special 20km (12.5 mile) walk to celebrate the challenge’s 20th anniversary.

The challenge also featured a Nordic walking route for the first time. The sport, which is popular on the continent, involves walking with poles.

There were also three cycling courses of seven, 17 and 24 miles and a 12-mile horse ride.

Sheila Dufton from Lindley was one of the older participants at yesterday’s event.

The 79-year-old did the seven-mile walk, raising £465 for the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust.