Staff and Clergy at Derby Cathedral take on a Mighty Hike in aid of Macmillan

Staff and Clergy at Derby Cathedral take on a Mighty Hike in aid of Macmillan

Members of the Derby Cathedral Team took part in the Peak District Mighty Hike on Saturday 20 July, to raise money for Macmillan – an organisation that provides support to people affected by cancer, including patients, carers, families, and communities. The Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, Archdeacon Matthew Trick, the Revd Michael Futers, Head of Operations Jessica Kilmurray, Head Verger Maddie Lloyd and Administrative Assistant Louise White met at Bakewell showground early on Saturday morning to join hundreds of other walkers. The weather was warm and cloudy, and the atmosphere was positive as everyone gathered to collect their bib numbers and warm up, ready for the hike in the Derbyshire Countryside.

The route took them over the fields and down to the River Lathkill, where they crossed a beautiful bridge with a great array of colourful aquatic wildflowers. They then ascended towards Youlgreave and back down again along the river Bradford where the group passed by some curious carved stone books, one of which was titled ‘Dip Your Ghosts’, which refers to farmers washing their sheep so clean in the river that they become ghostly white, in order to get the best price at market. The path then took them up through the woods towards Middleton, and over some more fields to Friden – where they had a much needed break to fill water bottles and apply blister plasters. The route then took them along the High Peak Trail, following the course of the old railway line for several miles, passed the Donkey Sanctuary and eventually through the finish line at Knotlow Farm Campsite where there was a buffet lunch and some much-needed tea and coffee waiting for them.

The team completed the 14.2 miles of their hike in 6 hours and 52 minutes – here is a photo is of a very tired team proudly holding their medals at the end!

The team raised just over £2000 for Macmillan, which will go towards the vital work they do in supporting people with, and recovering from, cancer. Thank you to everyone who donated and messaged the team throughout the day – your messages of support provided some much-needed encouragement to keep going and finish the hike together. In total the Mighty Hike Macmillan event raised £534,000.

Well done to the Cathedral Team for doing something fantastic!