1 Oct 2021 Community

Colne Valley Chiropody and Podiatry hike the Three Peaks to raise vital funds for The Kirkwood

Four colleagues from the Colne Valley Chiropody and Podiatry clinic battled against the pain and completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge and raised thousands for The Kirkwood.  

On the morning of the 25th September Jane Bedford, Alex Fowler, Katie Butters and Matthew Butters set off in what would prove to be a huge challenge for the four colleagues. They were aiming to complete the Three Peaks challenge in under 12 hours, all to raise vital funds for The Kirkwood. 

It was an early start for the team as they were up at the crack of dawn to set off on their hike meanwhile we were all tucked up in bed as they were already halfway up the first peak  

On the hike, Katie, the manager at Colne Valley Chiropody and Podiatry, said: "The whole day went well, but it was incredibly tough. We set off very early with torches and by the time we'd done the first peak I was already shattered. We had to really keep each other motivated and that was very difficult. We all had different fitness levels, but we wanted to finish it as a team.  

'"I genuinely thought I wouldn't be able to do the third peak. I was just out on my feet. It became a real mental test, more so than a physical one. 

Having set off at 4am the fab foursome completed their hike in the late afternoon and were delighted to discover they had finished way ahead of their 12-hour target. 

"We completed the challenge in 11 hours and seven minutes.” said Katie. “We are all so proud of each other. It was a brilliant achievement. I think what really helped is we just kept thinking about the difference we were making by raising the money we have."  

So far, the team have raised a superb £3,000 for The Kirkwood, with thoughts in the office now turning to what the next challenge might be for the Chiropody and Podiatry team. 

Katie said: "Although we were all tired from doing it, and it's taken a few days to recover we all enjoyed it. We are definitely up for doing something similar and all the talk in the office is, what could we do next!"  

Katie and her team understand how important The Kirkwood is for people in the local area as patients have talked to them about the charity. She insists they made the right choice of charity to raise money for us.  

She explained: "When we told patients about what we were doing and who for we got an amazing reaction. There is a lot of respect out there for what The Kirkwood do.  

"Lots of people we spoke to are becoming more aware of the services you provide. 

"When we go back to see those same patients, I have no doubt they'll be asking how we have gone on. 

"We as a business want to build a positive relationship with The Kirkwood. The support you have given us in the run up to event has been great.  

"I think the last thing to say is just a huge thank you to everyone who has helped us raise a terrific amount of funds for a tremendous charity " 

If you would like to still donate to the team’s page you can by clicking HERE.