A couple who have dedicated their lives to raising thousands of pounds to help those suffering with multiple sclerosis (MS) are to have the Freedom of Keswick conferred on them.
Yvonne and Duncan Booth are well on their way to reaching a £1m fundraising target they set themselves for the MS Society with most of their money raised through the 10 in 10 challenge that they organise. Each June, hundreds of people from around the world come together to scale 10 peaks in 10 hours, in the Lake District fells.
Duncan was diagnosed with MS in 2010 and was determined to find a safe way to raise money. He started a bike recycling initiative and restored dozens of cycles, giving them to new owners in exchange for a donation to the charity.
MS damages nerves in the body and makes it harder to do everyday things, like walk, talk, eat and think.
The freedom of the town is given to someone who is, in the opinion of the council, a person of distinction who has rendered eminent services to the local area. There is no material honour or special privilege attached, although historically there was and these are now symbolic.
The wording that will be on the scroll which we will presented to them on the night will read: “We the council grant you this highest honour we can bestow in recognition of your incredible work in raising money to find a cure for multiple sclerosis, for bringing people to Keswick through the 10 in 10 event, for volunteering in our community and being an ambassador for Keswick. We thank you most sincerely for the service you have provided for so many people.”
Town council clerk Vivien Little said: “The town council feel that Duncan and Yvonne have brought so much to Keswick, under difficult circumstances, and it was only right to acknowledge that.”
Yvonne said: “It is a very unexpected honour to be given the Freedom of Keswick. We absolutely love Keswick and its amazing community.”
