Local charity hike raises over £7,000

Shropshire charity, Climbing Out, has raised over £7,000 with a fundraising hike along Northumberland’s coast line.

Hikers departed from Bamburgh Castle with 54 people taking part, led by some of the Climbing Out instructors and charity founder, Kelda Wood MBE.

Previous challenges have included climbing Snowdon, the Three Peaks Challenge, The Peak District Challenge, and walking a section of Hadrian’s Wall.

The funds raised will go towards the charity’s five day residential programmes for people who have been through a life changing injury, illness or trauma. The programmes combine outdoor activities with personal development coaching to give people the tools to get their lives back on track post trauma.

Kelda said, “Many of our previous challenges have involved hills, so this year we shook things up with a hike along the coast. There was less ascent but lots more miles. To walk along the beach as the sun came up on the east coast was magic. It was a fantastic day all round – so many smiles, so much sunshine and an incredible effort from everyone involved.”

The Climbing Out fundraising hike is held annually. There are three different routes to choose from, depending on your level of fitness. The charity asks each hiker to raise a minimum of £150, which includes the cost of qualified hike leaders, transport back to the start point,  subsidised accommodation and some of the meals.

Kelda adds, “Everyone is welcome on our fundraising hike. It was great to welcome some friends and family of participants who wanted an insight in to the charity that had had such a big impact on their loved ones. It was a way of giving back and finding out what the charity is all about.

The 2025 fundraising hike will take place on September 20^th in Shropshire. “Our hikes have taken place all over the UK, so it feels extra special to be hosting one in Shropshire next year! We hope this will make for a record breaking turnout, with lots of our supporters coming from the local area.”

CAPTION: Some of the participants in this year’s Climbing Out hike.