Outdoor enthusiasts are being encouraged to sign up for a Lake District hiking event next month to raise money for the MS Society.
The 10in10 and Family 5in5 Challenge will see hundreds of fundraisers tackling a series of fells. It was founded by Duncan and Yvonne Booth over a decade ago, after Duncan was diagnosed with MS.
Over the years, participants have raised over £650,000 and organisers have set their sights on reaching £1 million.
Backed by mountaineering legend Sir Chris Bonington and outdoor brand Berghaus, the 2022 10in10 and Family 5in5 will take place on Saturday June 18 and there is still time to book a place on either challenge.
The 2022 10in10 Challenge will take hikers on a 26km route that starts and finishes at Swinside Inn in Newlands Valley. This year, participants will tick off Causey Pike, Sail, Crag Hill, Wandope, Whiteless Pike, High Snockrigg, Robinson, Dale Head, High Spy, and Maiden Moor.
The Family 5in5 Challenge is a shorter hike of 12.9km, suitable for walkers of all ages and ideal for a family group. With the same start and finish point, the route includes Causey Pike, Scar Crags, Outerside, Stile End and Barrow.
Duncan said: “I am always blown away by the support we get for the 10in10 and 5in5 Challenge. Each year the event surpasses our expectations and we have participants that come from all over the country and world to take part. One of our three sons, Xander, has told us that we cannot stop fundraising until we get to £1 million, so that is what we are going to do!
“A cure for multiple sclerosis needs to be found. Life is extremely hard living with a disability and it is sad that I can no longer do my own annual challenges due to the condition’s progression, but I am extremely grateful to all those people who can walk and support our work.
“The amount of money that people raise is phenomenal and it really gives me and many others hope that one day a cure might be found. Everybody knows someone with MS and understands the harsh reality of living with such a nasty disease.”
Although he is no longer able to take part in the hiking challenges, Duncan continues to raise money for the MS Society by fixing up old pedal bikes and recycling them in Keswick. Find out more about the initiative at www.facebook.com/DuncJBooth.
Sir Chris is patron of the 10in10 and Family 5in5 Challenge and alongside Berghaus, has supported the event since it began.
Both Sir Chris and Berghaus have helped promote the project through their UK and international networks and participants now travel from Europe and from as far away as the USA to take on the challenges.
To sign up for the 10in10 or Family 5in5 challenges, visit www.10in10.org.uk
