David Newsholme went to great lengths to raise money for charity - walking the breadth of the country for Kirkwood Hospice.
David, 61, from Mirfield, completed the 168-mile Coast to Coast walk and has raised a massive £4,027 for the Dalton-based hospice .
Starting from St. Bees in Cumbria, David and his son-in-law tackled extreme conditions and rugged terrain to arrive at Robin Hood’s Bay in a total of 12 days over a number of weekends.
“We were walking about 30 miles each weekend but did the final 50 miles over three days.” said David. “We’ve had lots of blisters and aches and pains to content with.
“We’ve gone from brilliant sunshine some days to being caught in monsoons.”
The idea for the walk was born a few years ago after David and a neighbour walked the Pennine Way and decided covering the width of the country on foot would be another great challenge. Unfortunately, an operation forced David to put his plans on ice.
But he was still determined to take on the gruelling trek so once he’d recovered he asked his son-in-law Michael Fitzpatrick, of Almondbury , if he’d like to join him.
“Michael enjoys walking, so it was good to have him along for company and encouragement,” he said.
He wanted to support the hospice for personal reasons.
“My mum died at Kirkwood and my mother-in-law died there about four months ago,” he said.
“I wanted to do something for the community. It’s a fantastic cause and everyone has kicked in and given something.”
David is managing director of the award-winning, Oakes -based meat company Country Park Foods, delivering to customers nationally as well as exporting to Europe and beyond.
Many of David’s suppliers were keen to support his challenge and donations came in from across the continent.
“Through the business, I asked a lot of our suppliers to offer their support,” he said. “Our biggest sponsor was a supplier in Portugal who donated €1000!”
Kirkwood Hospice fund-raiser Lyndsey Richardson said: “We are extremely grateful to David for going to such great lengths for the hospice. His commitment to take on such a gruelling challenge is humbling.
“The money will help us continue to provide vital services for those who rely on our care and support."
