A pub manager is getting ready to take on one of Northumberland's 'toughest walking challenges' with the aim of raising £1,500 to install a public access defibrillator at his establishment.
Steve Blair of the Twice Brewed Inn on Hadrian's Wall will undertake the Allendale Challenge on April 1st. And as if the 26 mile walk wasn't difficult enough, he'll do it in full firefighting kit, including breathing apparatus and oxygen tank, giving him an extra 45kg to carry on the course.
Considered by many to be one of the toughest challenge walks around, The Allendale Challenge is organised by North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team and is always popular with walkers. The 2023 event is Steve's seventh attempt at the walk, and he hopes to raise enough for a public access defibrillator at the Twice Brewed Inn car park, which is next to The Sill in Northumberland National Park.
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He said: "I’ve done it in snow, sunshine and a 10kg vest before – and while I did it during lockdown in the full firefighting kit, this will be the first time I’ll have done it officially and I’m looking to beat my time of 12 hours and 8 minutes. The terrain is unforgiving and with that extra weight, it’s going to be tough, but hopefully the money we’ll raise will make it all worth it."
The pub itself is popular with walkers, being situated close to Hadrian's Wall's arguably most famous beauty spot - Sycamore Gap.
He continued: "Getting a defibrillator for the pub is something we’ve been talking about for a while. Obviously with us being situated where we are, we get a lot of people coming in who have been embarking on some serious walking and having a defibrillator on site just makes sense."
Steve has a long history of undertaking extreme physical challenges for charity, and if he raises more than anticipated, will look into funding the installation of further devices. He finished: "And if we raise enough money, we’ll be looking to get another one for the nearby Steel Rigg carpark and one for inside the pub too."
Steve will be supported by two fire officers from the Allendale Community Fire Station. For more information on his walk or to sponsor him, visit his Just Giving page.
What is the most extreme challenge you have taken on for charity? Let us know!
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