Rhona Lewis, the Council’s Head of Legal and Democratic Services, was a well-liked and highly respected colleague. This photograph, with husband Geoff, was the last taken of Rhona. Just 7 weeks later, she was no longer with us.

Diagnosed with Bile Duct Cancer, which displays no obvious symptoms until it is too late to treat and only palliative care can be given, Rhona knew that she had a very short time left to live. So, she asked Geoff to do something to increase awareness of this ‘silent killer’ and raise money to combat it.

Geoff said, “As we both loved walking in the Lake District, I suggested a walking challenge that people could do part or all of if they wanted, over a period of time. So, I’ve chosen to walk the Lake District’s 10 highest peaks. The idea is to complete the challenge over a number of months. In some cases, 2 or 3 can be done in a single day without too much difficulty. My intention is that early on Sunday mornings, on prearranged dates, as many people as possible who worked with Rhona or knew her will come along and join me to walk in her memory.”

Clearly, some of the walks will be a strenuous challenge and will require appropriate footwear and clothing to ensure personal safety. Geoff is happy to discuss and advise.

Please contact Geoff on 07788883125 or email him at elvira353@googlemail.com

I have listed below the proposed dates for the remaining walks, which will get us up the 9 mountains left for the challenge. It would be great to see more people willing to come along.

Each date will be determined by the weather and updates will always be provided 48 hours in advance on the this page site.

Sunday 19th January 2020 - Scafell Pike ( 3 peaks )

It was another stunning morning when we arrived at Seathwaite in the Lakes at 8.00am for our second memorial walk. Myself, my daughter,granddaughter, best friend Alan, the two dogs Toby and Sam and Ronnie Dempster, were delighted to be joined by Lindsay and Kirsty Turpie and Donna Allardice . Rhona would have been proud of them.

It was clear from the start that it was going to be a challenging day, as you could see from Seathwaite heavy snow was on the peaks above 2000ft . When we hit the snowline, we made quick work of our first target Great End, then we crossed the Scafell ridge and onward to the steep and challenging final snow covered ridge to Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England. At the top it was probably around minus ten degrees, so lunch was brisk and our descent was a most exciting and enjoyable slide rather than a walk. It was made all the more enjoyable as we met a group of topless Yorkshiremen who claimed it was not a bet, but a ' mental toughness challenge they were doing. The walk covered a distance of 15.5 kilometers, with 3,300ft of climbing and it took us 7 hours. It was a fantastic day and amazingly no blisters reported by anyone, just tired legs. - I hope you agree the photos show what a great day it was.

To finish, we headed to the Riverside Bar in Rosthwaite for well earned coffees and snacks. Here's to the next walk on the 1st of March.

Geoff Lewis

**Sunday 1st March 2020 Helvellyn ( 2 peaks ) **

****UPDATE****

The weather for this weekend looks settled and ideal for the third of our walks in our Lakeland challenge in memory of Rhona. The route is up the iconic Helvellyn, which while strenuous, is probably the most spectacular of all the peaks in the Lakes. I intend to avoid Striding Edge, which makes the route easier for those who wish to take part. We plan to meet at the usual time 8.00 am in the Glenridding car park, post code, CA11 OPD. ( Don't forget some change for parking )The journey time from Dumfries should be about 1 hour 15 - 30 minutes. It would be wonderful to meet up if you are up for something a little more energetic on a Sunday..

Kind regards

Geoff Lewis.

Sunday 29th March 2020 Great Gable.

Sunday 26th April 2020 Pillar.

Sunday 17th May 2020 Bowfell.

A big thank you to everyone for their support.

Geoff Lewis