TWO friends from Frome will attempt to trek 120 miles in three days to raise money for local charity, We Hear You (WHY) and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) – both of which are close to their hearts.
Tom Ayres and Ben Keates will set off on 26th May to walk from the south coast of Devon to the north coast, carrying with them all their provisions for the three-day trek.
The pair have been preparing for the trek with various challenges, including the Three Peak Challenge which sees people climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in 24 hours and also an off-road obstacle course half marathon.
Tom said, “During the Three Peak Challenge last year we discussed a Devon coast-to-coast trek, and on discovering there is a rough trail that runs the length, we felt we had to go for it. The 72 hours was effectively decided for us with work commitments, but we felt, although it is going to be extremely challenging, it is possible.
“We are looking forward to it but at the same time, we are extremely nervous. At the end of the day, neither of us have done much walking over the moors and we aren’t experienced map readers, but we are very motivated and determined to finish something, and finish it to the best of our ability once we’ve started. We’re not 100% confident we’ll complete it in under 72 hours, but it’s a challenge, not a certainty!
“We’ll be carrying all our provisions, water, rations, clothes, tent, sleeping bag, maps. We’ll be camping for the duration of the challenge.
“The important part is the charities and we’ve set ourselves a target of £2,000 to raise. My girlfriend’s young nephew was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year. We’ve soon realised how life changing this disease is for someone so young and it disregards diet, age, gender etc. Choosing JDRF as one of the charities was an easy decision for me. JDRF is dedicated to funding research to find the cure for type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, which strikes children suddenly, makes them insulin dependant for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications. Improving treatments today until a cure is found.
“Ben chose We Hear You as his family has unfortunately been affected by cancer, so the charity is extremely close to his heart. He has fundraised for them in the past, having only recently done a sky dive for them. We Hear You works across Bath and North East Somerset, Somerset and Wiltshire providing support to patients, families, friends and carers who have been touched by cancer or any other life-threatening conditions.
“Our training is going ok, although due to busy schedules we haven’t been able to do as much as we wanted. But we’re both healthy and keep reasonably fi,t so we should be ok – hopefully!”
To sponsor Tom and Ben, visit http://m.virgin moneygiving.com/mt/uk. virginmoneygiving.com/ giving/ and search Tom Ayres or Ben Keates.
