Best foot forward call for Peaks walkers

After the success of the first Dales Walk for All, held last summer, those behind this year’s appeal have organised a similar event in the Peak District, to take place on Sunday, April 29.

Funds raised through the event, which includes a 24-mile, a 12-mile and a five-mile walk, will go to both the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, which supports children’s and cancer charities, and other causes such as Edale Mountain Rescue, Diabetes Uk, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Campaign and Cash For Kids.

Mike Tomlinson, Jane Tomlinson’s widower, will be taking part in the Peaks Walk For All shortly after he completes a mammoth Paris to London challenge with his daughter Rebecca, 24.

The duo will take on the Paris Marathon and cycle 600 miles back to the UK in time to run the London Marathon – all in the space of eight days.

The challenge will mark 10 years since the late Mrs Tomlinson became the first person with terminal breast cancer to complete the London Marathon.

Mr Tomlinson is now calling for more people to sign up to the Peaks Walk for All, which is the first event in this year’s Jane Tomlinson Appeal fundraising calendar.

He said: “Jane loved to walk in the Peak District, it was one of her very favourite parts of the country.

“We always wanted to do something down here and, after the success of the Dales Walk for All last year, thought it was the ideal place to hold an event.”

He added: “It’s just such a great way to spend a day and get outside.

“It’s a lovely way to start the summer and an opportunity for people to spend time out in the Peaks, which is such a wonderful place to visit.”

All three of the walks will start and finish at the Hope showground, near Castleton.

Special tickets have been donated by train company Northern Rail for those walkers catching the train at stations along the line from Sheffield to Hope.

Those who buy the tickets, costing £10, when they register for the Walk For All, will see their train fare donated directly to the appeal.

Starting at 7am, the 24-mile walk is described as a “big challenge” and incorportates several climbs, including Jacob’s Ladder and Mam Tor.

The 12-mile route, which is thus far the most popular, takes in stunning landscapes such as Edale, while the shortest route, at five miles, is a flatter walk.

Walkers who sign up to any of the routes will receive packs including items such as a blanket, whistle and maps.

For further information and details on how to take part in the Peaks Walk for All, visit the website at www.walkforall.com