DUKE of Edinburgh Award leader Ben Walker doesn’t believe in making things easy for himself.
The 24-year-old recreation leader has lined up a number of strenuous fundraising activities this year which go above and beyond the call of duty.
Earlier this month Ben raised £200 for charity ChildReach International by cycling the 62 miles from Mirfield to Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales.
This would have been challenging enough on a modern, lightweight road bike, but Ben, who is based at Netherton Village Hall, completed the ride in 11 hours on a classic 1930s Humber bicycle with no gears, minimal brakes and heavy tyres.
Last month he walked a gruelling 44 miles in driving winds, hail and darkness from his Golcar home to Kettlewell in North Yorkshire for the charity.
And in April, he is planning on running the Three Peaks TWICE in 24 hours.
He said: “The bike ride was very challenging, especially across the ice and snow on the North York Moors, which was quite treacherous. The bike really belongs in a museum.
“With the Three Peaks, everyone can do it once, so I thought I would try and do it twice.
“It will be really arduous, but it is more challenging and I will hopefully get more sponsors.
“It is a very worthwhile charity. They work with children who have been trafficked abroad, but they portray the children in a very positive manner.”
Ben is hoping to raise £2,500 this year for ChildReach International.
His fundraising efforts culminate in June when he will join a team to climb the 19,341ft-high Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa.
Anyone can sponsor Ben online at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/benwalker.
