TWO LAKE DISTRICT HOLIDAY PARK OWNERS are joining forces this year in a bid to climb all 214 Wainwright fells, and to land a windfall for Cancer Research UK.
David Jackson of Castlerigg Hall near Keswick, and Daniel Holder of The Quiet Site near Ullswater, are dedicating their marathon effort to the memory of their fathers.
Both men lost their dads to cancer at a young age – David when he was 22 and Daniel when he was just 16 – and hope the money they raise will help other sufferers of the disease.
They have set themselves the target of raising £5,000 over twelve months through a Just Giving page called Fells for Our Fathers (www.justgiving.com/page/fellsforourfathers)
David and Daniel discovered their shared losses last year during a conversation following one of their outings together on the fells:
Said Daniel: “We both really enjoy tackling high level trails in the Lake District, and the subject came up when we were talking over a beer after one of our climbs.
“We thought it would be great if our outings were able to make a difference to the work of Cancer Research and the many ways in which they support those affected.
“Bagging all of the Wainwrights in one year appealed to us both a challenge, and we’ve been delighted at all of the donation pledges that have so far rolled in,” he said.
Alfred Wainwright (1907–1991) hand wrote and illustrated a series of seven volumes describing the ascents and views from the summits of 214 Lakeland fells.
Born in the mill town of Blackburn in Lancashire, Wainwright left school at 13 and went to work in the Town Hall, travelling by bus to the Lake District at the weekends to complete his walks.
His books have since given inspiration to thousands of fellwalkers, and after he died his ashes were scattered on his favourite mountain, Haystacks above the village of Buttermere.
The parks owned by David and Daniel attract many guests keen to explore the Lakeland fells, and each provides a range of accommodation from camping pitches to luxury glamping.
Both are long-established family businesses, and have achieved a number of awards – including five-star tourist board grades – for their quality standards and care for the environment.
Commented David: “It would be so easy for us just to get wrapped up in the running of our parks, but fell climbing provides an important extra dimension to our lives.
“If we are able to combine enjoying the beauty of the Lake District with supporting a cause which is close to both our hearts, I would regard that as time very well spent,” he added.
Castlerigg Hall park can be explored at www.castlerigg.co.uk, and The Quiet Site at www.thequietsite.co.uk