Story added: 14th June 2016

Fundraisers walk length of North Norfolk coast for CSF

A group of 85 walkers completed the sixth annual Coastal Walk Challenge over the weekend, having walked 47 miles of the North Norfolk Coastline, in just 24 hours.

The team, who have already raised an incredible £20,000 for the Community Sports Foundation (CSF), set off from Hunstanton on Friday at 11am and arrived at Cromer Pier the following morning to a warm reception from their loved ones.

The challenge saw the walkers hike day and night, battling their way across seven organised routes before they completed the gruelling five-mile final stretch from Sheringham to Cromer.

Once they had crossed the finish line, the challengers enjoyed a well-deserved barbecue which was kindly organised by The Grove.

CSF Fundraising Officer, Emma Fletcher, said:

“I feel incredibly proud, this challenge is mentally and physically tough and the 85 walkers that completed it are true heroes in my eyes.

“The money raised so far stands at £20,000 and this is set to rise, we will be able to achieve so much with this; every penny raised will help make a difference to disabled and disadvantaged people across Norfolk.

“A huge thank you to all the volunteers, CSF staff and our fabulous support team who not only led the walkers round safely but encouraged them at each rest stop.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to our business champions Riverside Leisure Centre for sponsoring the event, Cafe2U for supplying drinks at Morston, local butcher Icarus Hines and The Grove Cromer for organising a post-walk barbecue, Wells Beach Café for opening up out-of-hours to serve food and Sainsbury’s, Phil Swash and the Holden Group for supplying essential event support. We couldn’t have done it without you!”

This year’s challenge was particularly special for one of the fundraising groups, who took on the coastal walk in memory of their close companion Michael Peek, who passed away in June last year from pancreatic cancer at the age of 48.

Mr Sharman said:

“We were looking to do something in his memory, but rather than do it as individuals we wanted to do it together as a group of friends. We did have several ideas, but someone mentioned the walk to us and it seemed to tick all the boxes.”

Inspired by this year’s event? Join us for the Coastal Walk Challenge in June 2017 and experience the breathtaking coastal views, create fantastic memories and help raise funds for us.

Take a look at our online photo gallery showcasing some of the highlights of this year’s challenge here.