Wainmans walk Wainwright's way to the end
The Wainman family, made up of mum and dad Emma and Nick, and their sons Jake, 11 and Ewan, nine, have been lacing up their boots every other weekend since May 2014 to conquer the 214 fells of the Lake District.
Known as the Wainwright Challenge - after the famous walking author Alfred Wainwright - it covers more than 550 miles with walkers climbing more than six times the height of Mount Everest in total.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdEmma, 37, explained: “We started it by accident, we did a few and decided as a family that we should complete them all.
“We wanted to complete it before Jake starts high school, which he does in September.
“Some have been really challenging, and we’ve walked in the snow before but the kids loved it. We’re really proud of ourselves but a little bit sad because it’s been a big part of our lives since we started.”
Now only one peak stands in the Pontefract family’s way - Silver How - a 395-metre-high fell which they aim to complete in the next week.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThey have conquered the largest mountains in England, including Scafell Pike which stands at almost 1,000 metres above sea level. The first one tackled in 2014, when the boys were just seven and five, was Hellvellyn - England’s third highest peak at 950 metres.
The challenge has also given the family the chance to raise cash for Pontefract’s Prince of Wales Hospice.
Sophie Elsworth, fundraising assistant at the hospcie said: “Through the sun, snow, wind and rain, they have all shown true commitment and determination towards completing this remarkable challenge.
“The funds they have raised so far could help fund the cost of one bed on our incare ward for 24 hours. For this we are extremely grateful.”
To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emma-wainman1