The son of a former North East electrician took to the hills to raise money for the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund. Richard Thorpe, 43 set himself a gruelling challenge to complete the West Highland Way in just five days, culminating by climbing Ben Nevis on the sixth day.
On the summit of Ben Nevis... What a team!
Some refreshments...
Richard raising money for the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund, in memory of his dad Alan Thorpe. Taking on the 95mile challenge with Richard were Steve Whithorn, Dave Kenyon, David Wylie Mark Tyson Cumbria, and Roly Lockey. They started in Milngavie, near Glasgow on September 14 and culminated the trip on September 19 at the top of Ben Nevis.
At the end of the West Highland Way
The West Highland Way traditionally takes seven days to complete and does not include Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. The team plan on walking 20 miles a day in order to complete the challenge in the time frame. Richard, who is head of access engineering and innovation for BT, said he hopes the challenge helped to raise awareness of mesothelioma across the UK.
The team received support from a wide range of businesses, including one in Australia. Sponsors include Norman Dysney Young (NDY), BT, The Bradley Dyer Group and AF Switchgear and raised a staggering £9,065 with donations still coming in!
Alan was a member of the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Self Help Group before he died. The group, which meets in Wallsend, provides support and advice to those affected by the disease. Members What an amazing achievement a huge thank you from MKMRF to all concerned
Richard is continuing raising awareness of mesothelioma by becoming a Patron of the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund
Pictures
For more information and pictures about the challenge or to make a donation contact Richard on 07918082832 or log on to http://richardthorpe.squarespace.com/blog, or you can make an on line donation.
