04 August 2009
A team of mountain-mad computer buffs has scaled new heights in fund-raising after smashing a charity hiking target by £30,000.
The 17 United Utilities colleagues are expected to double what they'd originally hoped for, netting a staggering £60,000 for Water Aid and mountain rescue charities.
The cash was raised during a gruelling bid to scale 38 Lake District peaks in just four days in June. The marathon effort took in 60 miles of hill-walking and 20,000ft of ascent along the way.
Walk mastermind Mike Naden, the Managing Director of United Utilities' IT operations, who is from Formby, said everyone was staggered at the amount of money raised.
"We started off hoping to raise £30,000, but it seemed ambitious. This is absolutely phenomenal," he said. "It was an amazing trip but very hard work. We did a lot of training beforehand and I think we were all glad for it. Fortunately the weather was on our side and we got to the end on time and all in one piece."
The bulk of the money will be going to WaterAid but a healthy chunk is destined for Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association who are receiving £10,000.
"We wanted to give something back to the local communities where our walk took place. Hopefully none of us will ever need the services of a mountain rescue team, but we know they would be there for us if we do.
"The money that's going to Water Aid will make a huge difference to some of the world's poorest communities. Clean, safe and reliable drinking water is something we in the North West of England are incredibly lucky to have and we take it for granted. Water Aid's work makes it available in communities where they are not so lucky. It's a fantastic cause and I like to think that we have saved the lives of people we will never meet."
The funds will prove vital to WaterAid's work overseas. "As a result of Mike's challenge, we will be able to bring clean water for life to over 3,000 people," said Jackie Sedgwick, Regional Development Manager for WaterAid. "It's a tremendous feat - in every sense of the word. We really appreciate all the hard work that's gone in to the challenge, and we're thrilled at the outcome!"
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PICTURE CAPTION: Mike (centre front) on on day three of the walk at Kirkstone Pass with the United Utilities Lake District challenge walkers. Back (from left) Paul Smith, Wayne Flanagan, Mike Hasty, Beccy Purcell, Anthony Naisbett, Sam Dale, Dave Collinson, Gary Barlow, Billy Simons, Alan Sullivan, Pete Smith, Tony Sweeney, Daren Gaston, Brian Williams, Tom Carberry, Andy Pettitt.