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The GWP Striders complete the 52 mile Ridgewalk challenge in just over 23 hours!

Despite battling with torrential rain, blisters, tiredness and much else besides, the GWP Striders completed the 52 mile Ridgewalk challenge in an astounding 23 hours and 5 minutes. The team of GWP colleagues, Matt Green, Jenny Green, James Pedley and Ian Cook, have not only achieved an amazing feat, but have also raised a great sum of money for the charity Sense.

The Ridgewalk 2013

Starting at midday on Saturday 22 June, the team initially walked for a 16 mile stretch in sunshine and showers until getting to the first checkpoint. This was then followed by a further 10 miles to the halfway stage, by which time it was dark, cold and the fatigue was beginning to set in.

The early morning part of the challenge also saw torrential rain, meaning that as well as the aches and pains creeping in, the team were also drenched. This was probably the most demoralising point of the challenge, with Matt commenting that…

“Having walked half of the route the enormity of the challenge starts to dawn on you. The conditions were far worse than any of the training sessions we undertook, and morale certainly dipped on quite a few occasions. The constant support from all the team was definitely the determining factor spurring us on to the next check points."

Completing the Challenge

However, despite all of this, the team found reserves of strength and endurance, eventually making it to the finish line at just after 11.00am on Sunday morning. Greeted by numerous friends and family at the finish line, the sense of achievement was palpable.

“The last 7 miles were definitely the hardest, we really had to dig in to the reserves to pull us through. Rounding the last corner and seeing our family and friends waiting and cheering was truly a wonderful sight and something I am sure we won't forget for a very long time. ”

To put the achievement into perspective, the GWP Striders managed to complete 2 marathons over undulating terrain in typically British conditions (i.e. rain). In fact, of the teams that entered, 2 could not complete the challenge, whilst another 3 had at least one member of their team drop out.

Raising Money for Sense

Of course, the challenge was not undertaken for fun (a word that very few to have completed the challenge would use when describing it), and the GWP Striders have raised a fantastic sum of money for the Sense charity.

It is not too late to make a donation however, so if you would like to help the team reach their target after the gruelling challenge, then please donate using the link on this page.

Sense Charity

Now in the fourth year since it’s creation, the Ridgewalk challenge has now raised in excess of £500,000 for the charity Sense. The idea of a walk covering 52 miles – 2 marathons – has seen numerous teams trecking across one of the oldest roads in Britain. 

The event ultimately helps to support people who are deafblind, regardless of age, gender or social background. Deafblind refers to the combination of both hearing and sight impairments, which can also have implications for other day to day activities, including mobility, communication and access to information.

The charity offers its support and services to people throughout the UK, tailoring its services to the individuals it serves through a network of specially trained staff and dedicated volunteers. This allows those who are deafblind to lead a more independent lifestyle.

Thank you from the GWP Striders

All four of the GWP Striders team would like to say a huge thank you the event organisers for allowing them the opportunity to take part in the event, as well as their support team Steve and Jan Marshall, without whom the achievement would not have been possible.

They would also like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has already sponsored them – the money raised really will make a positive difference to many peoples’ lives.

 

If you have not yet had the chance to sponsor the GWP Striders then you can still do so by clicking the link on this page.