If you were lucky enough to be on the top of Cley Hill as the sun started to go down on the evening of 30th July, you’d have witnessed quite a spectacle, as 50 people completed a testing 5km challenge that scaled the steep surface of the hill in aid of local charity Positive Action on Cancer.
Local fitness company Affinity Wellbeing, who are renowned for their gruelling monthly challenges, teamed up with PAC to run an awe inspiring event which saw people overcome many challenges along the way, culminating in a human PAC shape on the summit of the hill at sunset.
The event launched a new partnership between the organisations and raised nearly £800 whilst also helping the charity to raise awareness of the vital need for emotional support for people living with cancer and other life threatening illnesses.
The charity themselves entered a team of four terrified runners to complete the challenge alongside the Affinity Wellbeing gang, and the director of PAC, Mary Taylor, joined in to climb the steepest part of the hill showing her support for what the runners were doing. The founder of the charity, Jill Miller, was also there to wave the runners off on their challenge at the bottom of the hill.
Fundraising and communications manager from PAC, Hannah Culff said, “It was one of the most inspiring events I’ve been involved with for a long time. To see so many people take part in such a gruelling challenge to help us raise vital funds to support people overcoming a very different type of challenge was mind-blowing.
“We really wanted to show people that the staff at PAC are also willing to step out of their comfort zone and while the challenge was terrifying it was phenomenal to be a part of it! We can’t thank Affinity Wellbeing and all those who ran or sponsored us enough.”
Affinity said, “We were in awe of everyone’s achievements on a testing 5K cross country route that scaled Cley Hill. It’s amazing what strength of will and pure determination everyone had, knowing there are others out there suffering a whole lot more than them. They came together to rise above and overcome every challenge we threw at them. It was one proud evening for us to share with PAC who are such a worthy cause.”
PAC are a local charity delivering life-changing support to people affected by cancer and other life threatening illnesses across Somerset, BANES and West Wiltshire. PAC receive no central government funding so rely heavily on the fundraising efforts of the local community.
Challenge events are a big source of income for PAC who are constantly looking for people who might like to get involved. If you would like to learn more about PAC or would like to take part in a challenge event or a fundraising event please contact Hannah and Kelly on fundraising@positive actiononcancer.co.uk
