A TEAM of big-hearted volunteers in Chester raised almost £2,000 in support of families with seriously ill children after walking a mammoth 32 miles in the blistering heat.
Up to 20 determined volunteers donned their walking boots and battled through the blisters to complete the 32 mile walk from Frodsham to Whitchurch in support of Ronald McDonald House at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Among the walkers were organisers Claire and Stuart Edge, whose two-and-a-half-year-old son Dylan needs regular treatment and assessment at the Liverpool-based hospital.
Dylan and his loved ones spent the first eight months of his life at the hospital after he was diagnosed with Patau’s Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which affects the heart and kidneys.
But Dylan is defying medics after he recently took his first steps despite the family being told he would never walk.
Claire and Stuart, who also have four other children, are determined to do whatever they can to raise their target of £9,000 sponsor the very room at Alder Hey where Dylan stayed.
The couple are appealing for as much support as possible to reach their target and help other families in their position.
Among volunteers taking part in last Sunday’s walk were the team of Dylan’s carers from the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Family and friends also gave their time for the 16-hour walk, which Claire and Stuart, from Treborth Road, Blacon, say proved one of the hardest but most worthwhile challenges faced to date.
Speaking afterwards, Stuart said: “Every muscle in my body is aching. It was so tiring and the hardest thing to do, but we all made it and that was amazing.
“Thank you to all those who took part and who have supported the fundraising appeal for the Ronald McDonald house fund to date, we can’t tell you how much it is appreciated.”
Claire added: “It was so hard. I have done this walk before years ago but it proved much harder this time around and of course the heat was immense, but everyone did fantastically well and all who took part and supported us should be proud of what they have achieved.
“When we finally got to the finishing line it was amazing. There were people in tears with the pain but when they saw the final hurdle, they ran throughout the pain, such was their dedication.”
Claire and Stuart also wish to thank the Asda store in Saltney who donated refreshments and to Summer Trees tea shop who provided the group with some much-needed rest and refreshments along the way.
People can continue to sponsor the appeal by visiting www.justgiving.com/ClaireEdge and they can also give to the appeal at Deebo’s store at Chester Market, the Co-operative store in the Forum Shopping Centre, Chester, and the Co-operative store in Faulkner Street, Hoole.