Lewis Stokes and George Oldroyd from The Banks Group competed in the Cumbria Way Ultra run to raise funds for our branch.
Lewis and George set off from Ulverston at 0600am on Saturday 14 September, with just 27 hours to complete the 73.9 mile course which finished in Carlisle.
The challenging route took the runners along valleys and over mountain passes – including High Pike - covering around 10,000 feet of climbs and descents.
Lewis and George both work for The Banks Group, a Durham-headquartered firm which has chosen to support Samaritans throughout 2019.
Our director Lynn said: “Yet again, I am bowled over by the support shown to Samaritans by the staff from the Banks Group. This is just one of many different activities and challenges they have been involved with over the last year and it is wonderful.
“It’s fantastic that these activities result in funding for our branches, but even more importantly, they raise awareness of our work with all of their supporters and fellow runners."
Chris Kelsey from The Banks Group said: "Unfortunately Lewis had to drop out after the first 50 miles due to a knee injury which meant he could not even shuffle or limp up one of the final mountains on the course. His knee actually went 4 miles in, so this is a brilliant effort. 50 miles is the distance the Marines and Paras yomped on East Falkland in the Falklands Conflict in 1982. This is rightly considered an amazing feat. So you are in illustrious company Lewis!
"George completed the 73.9 miles course around 5am on Saturday. It took him 22hrs and 41mins. This is an amazing amazing effort particularly as this is George’s first ever Ultra! Well done to both of them"
If you would like to sponsor them please go to :https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/george-oldroyd1