Every year Gaynor Sutcliffe and Joy Hunter undertake a memorable challenge to raise money for various charities close to their hearts.  Last August (2013) they cycled the 1000 mile trip from Land’s End to John O Groat’s in 10 days raising £1500 for the Lancashire Hospice.  At the time Gaynor's father was in the later stages of cancer passing away shortly after.  Her young step daughter also lost the battle to cancer the year previous.

In summer 2012 Gaynor ran the 70 mile Ribble Way route.  To go with this she also hosted a concert with the Swing Trio the 3 Musikateers and special guests again raising a similar amount this time for the Chernobyl Project.  The atmosphere at the St Mary’s centre was electric and proved a very special and memorable evening all round.

This year the challenge is to run the notoriously undulating 177 mile Offa’s Dyke Path which is commonly known as the border between England and Wales, from Prestatyn to Chepstow.  She will undertake this as an Ultra Marathon covering 36 miles per day for 5 days with good friend and fellow violinist Joy Hunter from Chorley.  Euxton’s Sid Calderbank, a Lancashire dialect specialist will drive the support vehicle and be on hand at various points to provide water, food, a place to sleep and an encouraging smile when things become tough.  Local Alsatian Morris will also accompany the girls on the run and then Sid when he’s had enough of running. 

Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley provide groups of children who come over from Chernobyl with friendly homes and families for a few weeks each year.  Their time here can greatly increase the life span of the youngsters by simply isolating them from the nuclear residue for just a short time.  The fresh air of the Ribble Valley combined with all the activities that the friends of the project plan provide the children with a holiday of a lifetime and potentially a better quality of life.

This happens once a year but only due to the kindness and hard work of so many families and individuals.  The project is entirely voluntary and self-funded through fund raising and donations. 

Gaynor, Joy and Sid are keen to raise as much money this year for the Chernobyl Project and there are regions all over the country that tirelessly work for the cause. This year all donations and sponsor money will go directly to the project where it will be gratefully received and put towards flights, food and so many other expenses linked to bringing the youngsters over here.

The run will begin in Prestatyn on the morning of Friday 25^th July and will finish late in the day on Tuesday 29^th in Chepstow.  The path is by no means easy traversing the Clwydian and Shropshire Hills, the black Mountains, Canal Towpaths and the banks of the Severn and Wye rivers.  The 36 mile days will be demanding on the 2 girls physically and emotionally but the thought of helping such a worthy project makes it all the more satisfying providing determination to get to the end.

If the arduous Offa’s Dyke run is not enough for  Gaynor and Joy, they will also host an evening of Swing, Ceilidh and good time music with the Western Valley Hotclub.   Special guests will include local hero’s Eric Ainsworth and Phil Knight among others and will take place 2 days after their return on Friday 31^st July at the Catholic Club in Clitheroe.  Another fun and memorable evening not to be forgotten in a hurry.  Tickets are £8 with supper included and all proceeds to the Chernobyl project. 

Doors will open at 7.30 and tickets can be reserved by calling 01200 425629.  All support for Gaynor and Joy will be appreciated and donations can be made at here at JustGiving any time.   You can also follow the progress on Facebook by visiting their page

'Gaynor and Joy's 177 mile Ultra Marathon for the Chernobyl Project’  where reports and photographs will be regularly posted and everyone is warmly welcome to mark the success of the challenge with a swinging night on the 31^st July at the Catholic Club.

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