Fundraising events boost charities
[gallery] They took to their feet by both day and night, they cycled, they swam and even paddled their own canoes when fundraisers and fitness fanatics across Shropshire rose to a trio of challenges.
They took to their feet by both day and night, they cycled, they swam and even paddled their own canoes when fundraisers and fitness fanatics across Shropshire rose to a trio of challenges.
Whether it was paddling down the River Severn, walking through Telford in the wee small hours or enduring the trials of a triathlon, no obstacle was too great for the plucky participants.
Saturday saw 50 canoeists don fancy dress and take to the River Severn at Bridgnorth in aid of burns victims.
The paddle was organised by Broseley mum-of-two Vicki Anderson whose son, Joseph, suffered horrific burns at the age of two.
Joseph, now 16, was left with 76 per cent burns to his arms, legs and body when he fell in a bath of hot water.
He had to have 15 life-saving operations at Birmingham Children's Hospital.
Joseph and his 18-year-old sister Francesca joined their mum on Saturday for the 10.5-mile canoe trip down to Arley to raise money for the hospital-based charity Burn Aid.
Mrs Anderson said: "The treatment Joseph had at the hospital saved his life and the support from Burnaid helped us all in so many ways. They were fantastic."
Next up was the fourth annual Severn Hospice Midnight Walk in which hundreds of women set off at midnight on Saturday to follow a 10km circular course from Telford College of Art and Technology and back.
Sarah Hawthorne, fundraising events organiser, said: "Saturday was an absolutely amazing night. The streets of Telford were a sea of pink as our walkers set off, a really fantastic sight."
A Midnight Walk takes place in Shrewsbury on July 2 and more than 600 women have already signed up. Places are still available via www.severnhospice.org.uk or by calling the appeals team on 01743 354 450.
Anybody interested in volunteering on the night should call the team or e-mail appeals@severnhos pice.org.uk.
Meanwhile the annual Ellesmere Triathlon drew hundreds of competitors.
Athletes from across Britain took part and, this year, it was both a world championship qualifier and a West Midlands championship race.
The triathlon also attracted scores of Shropshire competitors, including many relay teams.
By Simon Hardy
