Alan Goadsby and John Duckworth will set off from St Bees in Cumbria on Friday, September 4, before making their way across the country to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire.
The pair admit they have “never done anything like this before” but are determined to complete the challenge in support of Elsie’s Story, Alice’s WonderDance and Bebe’s Hive.
Alan and John will follow the Coast to Coast route, taking them through some of the country’s most challenging countryside as they travel from the Irish Sea to the North Sea.
Although neither has previously attempted a challenge on this scale, the friends have been preparing for the walk and are hoping their efforts will encourage people to get behind the three causes.
Money raised will support organisations established to create positive legacies in memory of Elsie, Alice and Bebe and continue making a difference to children and families.
Alan and John said they hope donations will also provide some extra motivation as they make their way across England.
Alan Goadsby said:
“Together with my friend John we have come up with a plan to walk from one side of England to the other.
“We will be following the Coast to Coast route from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire. We will be setting off on Friday 4th of September and doing a mixture of camping and B&B / hostel / hotels each night.
“We have never done anything like this before and are not particularly fit so it will be a challenge that we are not underestimating!
“We have been in training since February and will ramp this up as we get closer to departure.
“We are self-funding everything about the walk, but wanted to generate some money for the amazing organisations that are doing great work as a legacy to Alice, Bebe and Elsie.
“We have bought clothing for the trek from Alice’s WonderDance, Bebe’s Hive, Elsie’s Story and GABA Foundation, spreading the word about the work they are doing.
“We have also set up a JustGiving page that will split 100% of donations between Alice’s WonderDance, Bebe’s Hive and Elsie’s Story (who have kindly offered to manage the split).
“We are both Southport lads, friends, who really wanted to raise some funds for these three amazing organisations.
“We are not up to running marathons so opted for a long walk!
“We have been overwhelmed with the support and donations we have received so far and that will help push us on to the finish line in Robin Hood’s Bay.
“We would be really grateful if you could donate a small amount to give us some extra motivation to keep taking that next step across the country.”
People can support their fundraising appeal through their JustGiving page.
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