Malmesbury fundraisers march on Hadrian's Wall (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Malmesbury fundraisers march on Hadrian's Wall

10:00am Friday 8th February 2013 in News

AN IDEA that first reared its head during an evening in the pub has prompted a group of friends from Malmesbury to tackle a gruelling trek the length of Hadrian’s Wall this spring.

Inspired by the efforts of his wife Jess, the Malmesbury Cake Society founder, Gray Hancock and his friends Julian Lewis, Rebecca Pointer and Pete O’Brien are training hard for their coast to coast hike to raise money for Cancer Research UK and military rehabilitation charity STUBS.

“It was a pub idea really,” Gray told the Standard. “I think it’s a beautiful part of the country and I fancied seeing a bit more of it.

“We’ve built up some good training walks. We were up to 23 miles last week. We are not exactly all in fantastic shape and it will be a bit of a challenge,” he admitted. “But we’re confident.”

In fact he is so confident he already has his eyes on Ben Nevis as a target for next year. “I fancy having a go at a mountain,” he said.

The group is hoping to raise up to £5,000, with three of them supporting Cancer research. “For me it was the closest one to home,” explained Gray. “Jess has been really determined. I think that kind of determination has rubbed off on me.”

Julian, who is a veteran of several long distance cycle challenges including 3,000 around Europe, has chosen STUBS which helps seriously injured soldiers at the Headley Court rehabilitation centre.

The team will start their 33 miles a day uphill and down dale slog on April 11. To sponsor them visit http://malmesburymarchers.weebly.com