Generous fundraisers across Huddersfield are gearing up for one of the year’s biggest events.
The 26th Examiner Charity Challenge will take place in May and again is expected to raise many thousands of pounds.
And the big bonus is that many of those who benefit from the sponsored walks and horse ride on Sunday, May 17, are the area’s smaller charities and good causes.
There are three walks from Lepton, 4 mile, 7 mile and 20k. There is a one mile walk in Beaumont Park and a horse ride from Marsden Goods Yard.
One of those already keen to get on the starting line is veteran Huddersfield fundraiser Roy Waite.
Roy, 62, who is blind, has missed just one of the previous charity challenges and again plans to take part in this year’s event, sponsored by Toyota, Huddersfield.
He will be with his girlfriend, Susan Taylor, taking part in one of the walks through Beaumont Park. The main walks take place at the Lepton Highlanders sports complex off Wakefield Road.
Roy, of Leeds Road, said: “I really enjoy the Challenge every year and I’m again raising money for Riding for the Disabled. They have been so good to me over the years and it is great to put something back.
“Every year I manage to raise anything from £200 to £300 so I suppose I have collected a fair bit over the years. I did some fundraising for the National Children’s Centre at first but now it is Riding for the Disabled. I get a lot of enjoyment with them and am starting a new course in Leeds in April.
“I love the atmosphere on Charity Challenge day and you get to meet such wonderful people.”
Feast your eyes on some pictures of the action in last year's 25th Charity Challenge
The event is a superb one for charities as all the legwork over the organisational side is taken care of by hardworking members of the Lions Clubs of Huddersfield.
Examiner Charity Challenge chairman Bob Armitage said: “We want people to come along, enjoy the day and raise funds for their favourite charities.
“It is a day aimed at many of the smaller charities who may not have the facilities to organise an event on this scale, but we also hope the big charities get involved.
“The Lions do all the hard work and this year we have Brighouse Lions planning to offer refreshments and toilet facilities at the halfway point on the shorter walks.”
Examiner editor Roy Wright said: “This is one event which is aimed at the whole community of Huddersfield.
“Not only is it an opportunity for people to get out and about and enjoy some of the wonderful scenery we have in Huddersfield, but they can do so while raising money for so many worthwhile causes.
“Charities big and small have benefited to the tune of more than three-quarters of a million pounds since the event first began.
“We are grateful to all those who have walked and ridden in the past and to everyone who plans to get involved this year, and to the Lions who do such a wonderful job organising the event.”
Last year’s event alone raised more than £11,500.
Entry forms will appear in the Examiner or can be downloaded by clicking the link below
They can also be requested by email to charitychallenge@examiner.co.uk
