Five Go Yomping to help Clitheroe Community
Volunteers' Week takes place from 1-7 June to thank volunteers across the UK, so this week we’re recognising ours...
Taking on the Three Peaks in Yorkshire requires some stamina, so imagine the challenge for five slightly older Clitheroe RUFC members when they take it on twice to raise funds for local charities who help the community’s mental health.
Fifty-year-old Bob Wilkinson, club chairman, explains: “It’s a rather daunting challenge all in the name of raising funds for two mental health charities, Lancashire Mind and the Foundation for Ribble Valley Families. We'll be walking 49 miles, with two laps of the Yorkshire Three Peaks in less than 24 hours. We set off at midnight, so it should be fun!”
Lacing up their walking boots for this President’s Challenge, will be the challenge architect and club President, Andrew Thornber, who is approaching 50 and just behind former player, Ralph Rigby who has already reached that landmark. The youngsters on the trek will be the club’s Junior Chairman Mike Steel and Club Captain, Richard Few, both in their forties.
“We recently did 28 miles in the hills to prepare and even that was tough,” says Bob. “But we are part of a rugby club so nobody’s giving up, even if we have to drag them round. My wife, Heather, thinks we’re bonkers, and of course she’s right. We are still playing rugby so of course we’re bonkers but we love going out either with the club second team or the East Lancashire Barbarians combined squad.
“The pandemic has been a tough time for local people and club members. We’ve done our best to stay in touch and we are part of the Lancashire Cauliflower Ear mental health initiative which encourages people to talk when they have problems. We wanted to help the two charities we are fundraising for as they are helping those who need it most in our community.”
