Ten hardy trekkers from Keelham Farm Shop in Thornton, Bradford, braved regular downpours, but finished in bright sunshine – and with big smiles on their faces – when completing a 29-mile charity slog from Leeds to Skipton on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. (Sun, May 22)
Staff from the Brighouse & Denholme Road outlet were raising money for the British Heart Foundation in memory of Keelham Farm Shop founder Andrew Robertshaw, who died prematurely of a heart attack in 2000, aged 58.
The business, one of the first farm shops in England when established in the early 1970s by Mr Robertshaw, is now run by his son and daughter James and Victoria Robertshaw.
James was among the Keelham team and one of their number, Dawn Denton, of Sutton-in-Craven, forged ahead to finish first of around 100 walkers who were tackling the Leeds to Skipton leg of the journey.
Others taking part were Alex Clarke, of Wyke, Carol Swain, Elland, Elisha Merifield, Thornton, Laura Reid, Denholme, Matt Winter, Cullingworth, Michael Pilcher, Wibsey, Steve Powell, Rawdon, and Trisha Greenwood, Queensbury.
A foot-weary James said afterwards: "Dad would have celebrated his 70th birthday the week of the walk and he would have been really proud of the fact that all ten of us completed the marathon trek.
"We purposely adopted the British Heart Foundation as one of our chosen charities in his memory and had already raised £1,600 since March last year ahead of the walk."
Keelham’s latest efforts are on target to raise an estimated £2,000, though further donations are welcome at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/keelhamfarmwalkers or in the shop.
"Our heartfelt thanks go to all the Keelham crew – 29 miles is no mean feat - and to all who have supported the cause to date, including many shop customers who made donations," added Victoria Robertshaw.