Some 40-plus regulars from the Belle Vue Social Club endured the hot weather to walk the 20 miles from Sunderland back to Hartlepool over the weekend.
The group took on the challenge to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust and Stroke UK in support of two members of the Kendall Road club’s “family” – Jonny Woodward and Paul McKie.
The club’s Martin “Ruffle” Pearson said: “We decided to raise money for the two charities which are very close to our hearts.
Our bar staff member Jonny is recovering from an operation on a brain tumour while our club member and close friend Paul is recovering from a stroke.”
He added: “They have both received great support from the charities and come a very long way over the last few months – as a club and a family we couldn’t be prouder of them. They both joined us on the last stretch back to the club and led the group across the finish line which was such an emotional moment for everyone.”
Martin thanked everyone for their donations, which are still being counted, and he says he is delighted that the total will be in five figures.
He also thanked CJS Scaffolding Ltd, 23 Taxis and Sambuca restaurant for their help and support for all the walkers on the day.
Martin said: “It was a tough day, especially with the heat but everyone just got on with it and remembered the cause. There were endless laughs and aches and pains but most of all just a real sense of togetherness to get everyone through. Back at the club, it turned into a huge party and, surprisingly, everyone was still on their feet and dancing – even after 50,000 steps!”
