Melbourn trio successful in quest to traverse country for charity

Three friends have been successful in their quest to traverse the country in aid of two charities.

Keith Barrell, Miles Farbridge and Simon Gascoyne, who all live in Melbourn, took 11 days to complete the 190-mile course from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, crossing the Lake District, the North Penines and the Yorkshire Moors.

Walking under the name JimmyMacC2C, they were raising cash for Macmillan Cancer Support and Jimmy’s Night Shelter in Cambridge.

“We are truly grateful to every one of our supporters and all those who have given so generously to these two very worthy charities,” said Mr Gascoyne. “It has far exceeded our hopes and we thank you once again.”

After spending 11 days on the road, the trio arrived in Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire, their final destination, to be greeted by a group of friends and family who had travelled north to welcome them.

They walked part of the route tethered together in the style of a three-legged race, and managed to overcome the hurdle of a large expanse of rocky beach to dip their toes in the Irish Sea.

A welcome-home party and fun day at the Black Horse pub in Melbourn attracted a large number of locals, friends and family, which raised an extra £1,365.

Mr Gascoyne added: “We were surprised and overwhelmed by the support we received both along the trek and especially back home in the village and beyond.

“This week the funds received so far total more than £5,000 and look set to rise to £6,000.”

For more information and photos from the trip, plus information on how you can still donate to the good causes, log on to the website www.c2cjimmymac.co.uk