Tolkien and hiking boots: Rachel tells us how they fit together…
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Tolkien and hiking boots…? An unusual combination?
How do they fit together and connect with Caritas Salford?
Rachel from our fundraising team tells us more…
How do Tolkien and hiking boots fit together, and what have they got to do with our charity?
The Tolkien Trail – a popular walking route in Lancashire – is named after Lord of the Rings author J R R Tolkien, who stayed at Stonyhurst College during World War II while his son John was studying for the priesthood there.
Tolkien is said to have been inspired to write extensive passages of the Lord of the Rings by the gently rolling scenery of the area, which became known as ‘The Shire.’ As a charity that supports individuals, children and families across Lancashire (as well as Greater Manchester), it’s important to us to provide activities and events that are rooted in this beautiful part of the world for our supporters to access. Hence, the idea of our latest sponsored walk on this route! (www.caritassalford.org.uk/lancswalk)
Why did you choose this particular route for the sponsored walk?
I adore the Ribble Valley and, as a Lancashire lass who was born and raised in an ordinary Lancashire mill town just over t’hill from there, this route appealed to me because of its links with literature and history.
Our walk guide and author, Mark Sutcliffe, recommended it because it’s an easy riverside ramble and, by then, will have some splendid autumn colours on display in the ancient woodlands lining the banks of the pretty River Hodder. The route features in Mark’s guidebook of 40 walks, ‘Walking in Lancashire’ published by Cicerone.
What can people expect on the day?
The walk takes place on Saturday 13 September. A leisurely three-hour walk just for the adults, sharing lovely conversations, enjoying great views, and hearing fascinating commentary from our walk guide. If last year’s sponsored walk is anything to go by, there will be great camaraderie, laughter, with lots of sharing of delicious snacks. Hopefully the sun will shine whilst we have a stop for lunch too!
Do walkers need to be really, really fit to take part and used to hiking?
No, not really. We wanted a walk that is not too strenuous, so that as many people as possible will join in. This walk is just under 11km or 7 miles, with a total ascent of 156m, so a moderate level of fitness would be recommended.
We provide all of the details of things to wear and bring with you in our information pack, so if this is your very first hike, you won’t feel unprepared. Our pack also provides the route details and elevation, and we will email participants something to read and agree to beforehand in case they are worried about anything.
What inspires you to put together challenges like this one to raise money for Caritas?
I am inspired when I welcome a group of visitors to look around our day centres, pantry, allotment and accommodation projects. They see for themselves the many things our staff and volunteers are doing on a daily basis to improve the lives of local people. With the help of supporters, equipment, resources and initiatives at Caritas ensure everyone has the opportunity to ‘live life, and to live it abundantly.’ John 10:10.
I just want everyone to know what they can do to help and how their fundraising makes a very tangible difference.
Are there any particular stories of people our charity has supported that have really resonated with you or that you keep in mind when you’re taking on challenges like this one?
Yes definitely. One particular fella joined us on a sponsored walk last year. He was fairly shy and didn’t talk a lot at first. But as we were all facing the same steep climb up to Peel Tower at the end, he began to open up about how the weekly walking group at the service was making such a difference to his physical and mental health and wellbeing.
He said that he enjoyed everyone’s company and conversation, and loved the fresh air and the views, even when it was raining! Crucially, it was making him determined to take more care of himself during the week, so that he didn’t feel unhealthy or unwell on the day.
Things like that remind me of how important it is that we don’t just serve out food or provide hot showers, but that we can raise money to pay for the wider activity programme which can transform a person’s life.
What are you hoping is raised or achieved on the sponsored walk?
We really want to make this an annual event and would love to see more groups of adults getting involved from the schools, parishes and local communities in Accrington, Blackburn, Burnley, Pendle and the Ribble Valley.
Every penny raised makes a difference, for example:
- £25 could take away the terrible choice between eating or heating by providing a household energy voucher for gas or electricity;
- £95 could equip a member of the day centre’s rambling group with a waterproof coat and trousers and suitable footwear for hiking;
- £110 could provide a local family with their weekly food shopping;
- and £1,500 could provide a year’s sponsorship of a room in one of our supported homelessness projects, such as at our young parent accommodation in Blackburn.
What support does your team give to people who are taking on Every Step challenges – be it physical like this one, or mental challenges too?
To start with, you might just need some ideas of what you personally could do to raise money, so we recommend you download the Caritas fundraising resource pack. We can provide you an idea of what your sponsors could pay for in our virtual gift catalogue and a link to safely collect donations through our charity JustGiving page. There are paper sponsorship forms, social media graphics and photo ‘frames’ for those that need them, and a certificate to celebrate your achievements.
For certain events or fundraising milestones, we may also be able to send you a gift to thank you for your support – baseball cap, woolly hat, running vest, pen, bookmark, water bottle or mug (all items are subject to availability). And our lovely fundraiser, Iona Baxter, is just on the end of the telephone and email ready and willing to provide advice, support and fundraising resources to all of our Every Steppers.
How can people get involved?
This bit is really easy! Visit our website and read the pack so that you know all of the details, and complete the registration form on page 2. Iona will then be in touch to confirm your place and to provide you with a few more details. You can then start fundraising immediately. For help with your registration, contact Iona Baxter on 0161 817 2286 or i.baxter@caritassalford.org.uk
We look forward to seeing you in September!
To download the free pack with details of the sponsored walk visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/lancswalk
For more information on other challenges and Every Step fundraising, visit: www.caritassalford.org.uk/everystep