A team from the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) are taking on the challenge of a lifetime walking 100km (62 miles) for charity.
The team, called the Hortsteppers is made up of Penny Evans (Training and Careers Manager), Cassie King (Public Relations Officer), Tony Stacey (Marketing Manager), Tim Bell (Commercial Manager), Donna Hanlon (Business Development Manager), Carole Loftus (Events Organiser) and Lauren Swanborough (Events Assistant) are taking part in the London2Brighton Challenge over the weekend of May 25 and 26.
The courageous team of seven are aiming to complete the 100km (62 mile) walk, which includes 1,400 metres of ascent, in 24 hours and have been on a vigorous training plan since January. The route starts in Richmond upon Thames and heads south through the suburbs of London, then through the heart of Surrey and Sussex and over the South Downs towards the finish line at Brighton Racecourse.
Each Hortstepper has chosen to raise their own charity close to their heart. These include the Alzheimer’s Society, Cancer Research UK, MacMillan Cancer Support, Mind and Bliss.
Penny Evans, leader of the team said: “Walking non stop for 24 hours with no sleep is no mean feat. I am sure we will all be looking forward to a hot soak in the bath and a long sleep after this and vowing never again, but I know the sense of achievement will be huge. We are all passionate about our charities and we are hoping the horticultural industry will get behind us and support us for this walk.”
To sponsor Penny (Alzheimer’s Society): www.justgiving.com/pennyevans2
To sponsor Cassie (MacMillan Cancer Support): www.justgiving.com/cassieking
To sponsor Tony (MacMillan Cancer Support): www.justgiving.com/tony-stacey
To sponsor Tim (Bliss): www.justgiving.com/tim-bell1
To sponsor Donna (Cancer Research UK): www.justgiving.com/donnalhanlon
To sponsor Carole (Alzheimer’s Society): www.justgiving.com/caroleloftus
To sponsor Lauren (Mind): www.justgiving.com/lauren-swanborough
You can also follow the Hortsteppers progress on Twitter @hortsteppers or like them on Facebook www.facebook.com/hortsteppers Both accounts will feature updates on the team training, photos as well as the walk itself.
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