Four days and a 100 mile walk through the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District... it’s a tough challenge for one man and his dog. But our Chief Executive Peter Hartland and Working Cocker Spaniel Ruby are aiming to raise at least £5,000 as they set out on their walking adventure in support of the 2016 Master Cutler’s Challenge.
This year’s fundraising project headed by Master and Mistress Cutler Craig and Karen McKay is raising money for both St Luke’s in Sheffield and Rotherham Hospice.
Having seen how many companies have joined the campaign, Peter decided he should lead by example and do some fundraising of his own. And his three-year-old family pet Ruby, a rescue dog from the RSPCA in Chesterfield, should prove the ideal travelling companion.
“We’ll be walking 100 miles through the Peak District starting on August 19, starting and finishing at St Luke’s in a circle via Glossop and Buxton” said Peter.
“Ruby is a Working Cocker Spaniel so she'll be doing more like 500 miles running and tail wagging! She loves swimming so I’m aiming to keep as close to the water as possible because she likes to run so far and then cool off with a dip and a paddle.”
Peter’s wife Isabel will be providing support to Ruby by driving, walking and making sure that all is well.
“There are times when Ruby can get a little tired so Isabel will be there to make sure she is okay, but I reckon she’ll run the whole way and it’ll be me that needs the help!” said Peter.
Peter has already raised more than £3,000 towards his £5,000 target, with support from companies and organisations like Race Cottam, The Facey Family Foundation, The Neill Family Trusts, Elevation Recruitment Group, John James Financial Advisers, Hooley Tratt, Westfield Charitable Trust, Mascot Management, Handelsbanken and Towergate.
“It’s great to know we are doing so well without even walking a step,” said Peter. “But now the real challenge is about to begin and I’ll think the blisters are well worth it if I can get to £5,000.”
To support Peter’s walk, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PeterHartland