Edinburgh couple Mark Ballard and Heather Stacey completed a week-long Pennine Way walk for the National Deaf Children’s Society on 6 August.
The couple’s adventure started on 30 July, when Mark and Heather set off on a 95-mile walk along the Pennine Way between Horton in Ribblesdale in Yorkshire and Alston in South Tynedale in Cumbria, staying in youth hostels and B&Bs along the way.
A highlight was scaling Cross Fell, which at 2,930 feet is the highest mountain in England outside the Lake District.
The couple have raised over £500 so far for the National Deaf Children’s Society, which supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children.
Mark is Head of Policy for the National Deaf Children’s Society in Scotland, so has a special connection with the charity. The couple are both huge lovers of the outdoors and devised their challenge to help the charity provide inspiring experiences for deaf children and young people.
Mark and Heather live in Edinburgh with their two teenage children.
Recounting the story of their trek, Mark said: “It was hard work at times, with some steep hill climbs and squelchy bogs, but also some stunning scenery.
“A big part of what kept me going to complete the walk was the support I got from friends and family, who also helped me raise funds for the vital work of the National Deaf Children’s Society.
“I hope this money will enable the National Deaf Children’s Society to support a deaf young person to have a fantastic outdoor adventure like mine.”
Melissa Jones, who supports fundraisers for the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to Mark and Heather for taking on their Pennine challenge for us. It was a lovely idea and we’re so pleased you smashed it, thank you so much.
“The National Deaf Children’s Society is dedicated to supporting the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families. The efforts of selfless fundraisers like Mark and Heather will help us to keep on doing our vital work, now and into the future.”
Those wishing to make a donation can still do so by visiting:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-ballard27
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