Summit to be proud of

12/06/2007

Teams from the North East were among hundreds that conquered mountains throughout the UK and raised about £250,000 for charity.

Northumbrian Water’s adopted charity WaterAid organised 2,750 people to take on the Munro Challenge and 519 teams (of four or more people) reached the top of 263 of the highest mountains in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland – all over 3,000 feet.

Alan Hinkes, Britain’s leading high altitude mountaineer and the only Britain ever to climb all 14 peaks in the world over 8,000 metres, joined the Northumbrian Water effort which tackled the mountains in the Torridon and surrounding area of Scotland.

The challenge (on Saturday 9 June) was graced with glorious sunny weather which allowed for magnificent panoramic views but red hot temperatures added signficiantly to the physical endurance of the event which, for many teams, demanded more than eight hours of walking and climbing.  

WaterAid works to provide clean drinking water, safe sanitation and hygiene education in Africa and Asia where disease caused by dirty water kills 5,000 children every day. It costs just £15 per person to provide those basic necessities for life.

Joanne Robertson from Houghton-le-Spring who lives at Clara Vale in the Tyne Valley and works at Northumbrian Water’s Durham head office, said: “It was probably the most challenging physical thing I have ever done and the sense of achievement when we reached the top was priceless.

“Knowing that our team has so far raised about £700 for WaterAid - which will change about 50 people’s lives for ever by providing them with the basic essentials for a healthy life that we take for granted - sealed a truly memorable day.”

Alistair Baker from Stanley who also works at Northumbrian Water’s headquarters said: “The blistering conditions emphasised the importance of drinking water. It was just a stroll for Alan Hinkes but a lifetime achievement for others and a brilliant effort by all to raise about a quarter of a million pounds for such a really good cause.”

Donations can still be made on line through www.justgiving.com/tosavelives

Interviews with Alan Hinkes can be arranged.
For further information contact Alistair Baker 0191-301-6851 or 07711-793493.