Bike fixer Duncan Booth has put the brakes on his charity fundraising cycle repair and re-homing operation after raising nearly £10,000.
Duncan, a former teacher at St Herbert’s Primary school in Keswick and renowned rock climber and outdoor adventurer, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2010 at the age of 39.
Since then he and his wife Yvonne have pledged to raise £1m for the Multiple Sclerosis Society by organising the increasingly popular 10in10 challenge and they have now got £700,000 towards their target. As a sideline Duncan started repairing and reconditioning bikes donated to him from people throughout Keswick and this has seen him raise £9,452
He started during the Covid lockdown and since then people have been dropping off bikes in the front garden of the couple’s Manor Park home in Keswick. Duncan did not charge for the bikes’ repairs but suggested that people make a donation to the 10in10 charity.
“The community have just loved it and been very supportive,” said Yvonne. “It’s amazing how many people had spare bikes in their sheds. It was a great recycling service. A lady was put in touch with us from a local church and we took some bikes to Afghan refugees in Carlisle. It was charity helping charity which was a really good experience for everybody involved.
“It has become quite a big job really and although Duncan likes to keep busy, it has got a bit too much. He does not want the knock on the door at all times and constantly having to think about it. All good things must come to an end but there have been lots of positives.”
The couple are now focusing on the 10in10 challenge on Saturday June 17 when 500 participants are expected to walk and visit the summits of Causey Pike, Sail, Crag Hill, Wandope, Whiteless Pike, High Snockrigg, Robinson, Dale Head, High Spy and Maiden Moor.
“It has become extremely popular this year and bookings have come in a lot sooner than in previous years,” said Yvonne, who says the fundraising target from this year’s event is £100,000. “We are going to keep going until we reach £1m. We are attracting a lot of corporate companies this year and a lot of regulars are coming from all over the country.”
Taking part in the 10in 10 this year is Nick Moberly, chief executive of the MS Society, while the charity’s director of fundraising, Ed Tait will be participating in the 5in5.
To find out more about the challenge, visit: https://www.10in10.org.uk/
