Hilton Spencer Academy staff members walk 55 miles for charity
Five educators set off from Ladybower Reservoir on a trek to raise money for both Umbrella and Spencer Superstars.
Five staff members from Hilton Spencer Academy participated in a 55-mile challenging hike along the Derwent Valley Heritage Way, raising in excess of £200 to split between Umbrella and Spencer Superstars.
Lorraine Pegg, Scott Gordon, Lisa McKay, Vicky Hunt and Steph Price set out from Ladybower Reservoir in the Peak District at 9am on 1 September, receiving driving support from Graeme Pegg. Over 20 hours later, Scott Gordon and Vicky Hunt arrived in Shardlow mentally and physically exhausted with tired, blistered feet and 55 miles behind them.
“It was a team effort,” Vicky Hunt said. “We all pushed each other. Proud of every one of us!”
The walking team raised £200 for Spencer Superstars, as well as funds for Umbrella, a Derbyshire-centred organisation that enables disabled children and young adults to realise their full potential. They provide exciting activities to enable skill development in a fun setting, as well as support for parents and carers.
Spencer Superstars supports children to live their passions and follow their dreams by providing funding to children and young people to enable them to participate in their chosen field of excellence; recipients include budding gymnasts, a musical virtuoso and young tech genius.
The Heritage Way follows the River Derwent and passes several beautiful landmarks in the Peak District, from the Ladybower Reservoir (the starting point) to the Black Rocks outcrop to Chatsworth House, a manor house that has been featured in several films, including Pride & Prejudice (2005) and Downton Abbey: The Movie (2019).
Despite blisters and exhaustion, the team maintained high spirits throughout their trek. “Lots of laughs along the way, “Lisa McKay said. “It was good of the Army brass band to be playing at Chatsworth as we walked by!”
The team are now deciding on their next adventure!