Walkers brave the chill for charity

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TWO men swapped their traditional Christmas Day festivities for a charity walk through the snowy hills around Bury.

Lea McGowan, aged 45, and Darren James, aged 37, followed a 20km route taking in landmarks including Peel Tower, Harcles Hill, Pilgrims’ Cross and Bull Hill.

To make it even more of a challenge, they each carried rucksacks filled with 30lbs of sand.

They were joined by Lea’s girlfriend, Alison Gilmore, who carried the water and first aid kit — and dog Pip, a springer spaniel, came along too.

The group set off from the car park at Peel Tower at 9.20am, braving the snow and ice covering the borough.

After reaching Bull Hill, they followed the Rossendale Way to Holcombe, and finished by marching to the Swan and Cemetery pub, in Manchester Road, Bury.

They took four hours to complete the walk, hampered by the freezing conditions.

Lea, of Harrow Close, Bury, said: “It was really hard work and parts of the walk were very tricky because of the weather. It was beautiful at the top of the hills though and we could see for miles.“ When they arrived at the pub, Darren, of Lakeland Crescent, Bury, and Lea were greeted with a free Christmas dinner courtesy of the landlord.

The men have so far raised £1,600 by tackling the walk, which will be donated to Help For Heroes.

Lea, who runs Royal Mail’s delivery office in Prestwich, is a former soldier who served in the Falklands and Cyprus in the 1980s with the Lancashire Fusiliers.

He said: “We really wanted to do something to help the soldiers. We saw them on Remembrance Day and at the homecoming parade in Bury town centre and wanted to show how much we appreciate what they are doing.

“Christmas Day seemed like a good time because soldiers don’t really get to celebrate Christmas. We carried the sand because they are fighting in the desert.

“I’m pleased that we have raised so much money. I want to thank everyone who has supported us.”

Donations to the men’s appeal can still be made by visiting the Swan and Cemetery pub.

* The Swan and Cemetery will support Help For Heroes during its New Year’s Eve party, being held from 7pm tomorrow. Tickets cost £5, with £2.50 going to the charity.