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Charity's plea for volunteer marshals at Chilterns Three Peaks Challenge event
Local charity Iain Rennie Hospice at Home’s (IRHH) is urgently seeking volunteer marshals for its biggest fundraising event of the year on Sunday September 19. Up to 2,000 people are expected to take part in the Chilterns Three Peaks Challenge to help people with life-limiting illnesses across the Chilterns who wish to be cared for in their own homes. Last year's event raised £80,000 in just one day and the charity hopes to raise even more this year: every £150 raised will pay for one day’s care by IRHH’s nurses.
David Coles from High Wycombe became an IRHH volunteer six years ago after his wife, who was cared for by the charity, passed away. He leads the marshals at IRHH’s event to ensure the safety of all participants and needs 60 new recruits for the Chilterns Three Peaks Challenge as many of his regular helpers are on holiday. Marshals must be over 18 years of age and fairly fit: They will be stationed at various points along the route to guide walkers and receive free water, snacks and lunch in return for their help on the day.
As the back marshal, David makes sure that no one gets left behind and explains why last year’s event was a very moving experience:
David and his team of marshals will accompany all walkers during the five-mile route from Princes Risborough to Wendover, taking in two peaks: Whiteleaf Cross and Coombe Hill. IRHH will be running a BBQ in Wendover so walkers can stop for lunch. For the first time this year, walkers can then complete the entire 18 mile route by continuing on foot to the third peak at Ivinghoe Beacon. Local bus company Arriva will be providing 10 double-decker buses to give walkers free transport to Tring to complete the final peak or back to Princes Risborough to collect their cars. Entry costs £15 for adults and £7.50 for children - and dogs go free. The charge includes a t-shirt, transport on the day, a fundraising pack and a medal. Walkers will also receive a Jordans Frusili bar as the company is one of the event’s sponsors.
Helen Mariner at Iain Rennie Hospice at Home said: "We’re very grateful to David and all our volunteers for the tremendous support they give to IRHH throughout the year which helps us pass on as much of the money we raise as possible to our patients. There are many different ways people can volunteer their time including helping in our offices, working in our shops and helping out at our many fundraising events. Even an hour or two makes a huge difference and would be much appreciated."
The Chilterns Three Peaks Challenge is IRHH’s largest annual fundraising event: the charity needs £4.8 million each year to help the 1,000 patients and their families it supports and only 9 per cent of its funding comes from the Government.
Anyone interested in volunteering as a marshal for the Chilterns Three Peaks or in another capacity should contact Kerri Coote on 01442 820739.
2012 Sponsors
The team would like to thank all our valued supporters for the assistance and support:
