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High Bentham’s Mighty Deerstalker in a ‘big, muddy romp’ for Sue Ryder Care

7 May 2008

A High Bentham man has been recounting his ‘big, muddy romp’ in Scotland to raise money for Sue Ryder Care last month.

Mark, (19) who works as a British Gas Installer and volunteers in the Sue Ryder Care shop a in High Bentham travelled up to Borders, Scotland to take on the Mighty Deerstalker Challenge 10k run. The event is described affectionately as a ‘big, muddy romp’ through the countryside, forests and hills in the dark.

Speaking about his experience which will go towards his Duke of Edinburgh Gold award, Mark said:

“The race was really nerve wracking – everyone was waiting at the start line and tension was building.  The horn sounded and it was a mad dash to the first obstacle of a three bale high wall.  We all went over and the run continued up and out of the grounds.

“Along the way the race took in numerous steep banks, river crossings, log balances, hills and a swamp area (it really smelt and was about waist high on a 6ft 2 lad - lovely eh?!).”

“The hardest parts included running up the black mountain bike trail – people were pulling each other up as they fell over; heading down a very steep descent where we had to bounce off the trees to get down; a mighty ascent up a scree slope – which was so steep that we all ended up on hands and feet pulling ourselves up - and don’t forget all of this was being done in the dark.

”After many miles of this madness we eventually reached the drive of the house where people were cheering us on and we just had to run into the main field, through a tunnel on hands and knees and down to the finish line. What an experience.

”I managed a respectable 3 hours 3 minutes, and came in 467 out of 700 - not bad for a beginner. It was the craziest, hardest yet most rewarding thing I have done in a long time. The atmosphere was amazing. I really enjoyed the race and I want to do it again next year for Sue Ryder Care.”

Mark added:

“Through volunteering in the Sue Ryder Care shop I know that the money that the charity raises through it’s shops and events has an incredible impact on people’s lives. Just £50 could provide physiotherapy to someone with Parkinson’s disease, helping them feel more comfortable. £250 could pay for bereavement sessions for twelve people after a loved one has died, supporting them in coping with their loss.”

Helen Hamilton, Area Fundraising Manager for East of Scotland where the run took place said: “This is an amazing achievement for Mark and I’m delighted that he put himself through it for Sue Ryder Care.  He has raised a fantastic £265 and is hoping that £250 will be matched by his employers British Gas.  A massive thank you to Mark for setting himself this challenge – the money he has raised will make such a difference to the people we care for.”

 

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