Little over two weeks ago, local businessman and Nantwich Town FC supporter David Smyth took his first steps on a 192-mile Coast to Coast walk all in aid of the Crewe and Nantwich Cancer Research branch.
David, who is one of the directors at the Crewe-based car dealer group & Nantwich Town sponsor Swansway Motor Group has raised a fantastic £11,174.50 for his chosen charity, Cancer Research UK. Taking on the walk alongside his two friends, the challenge saw David start his walk in St Bees, Cumbria, before taking in views of three national parks – the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, before finishing in Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire.
Speaking of the walk, David told us;
“It was a fantastic experience, getting to meet new people and take in the beautiful views of the English countryside, all whilst raising money for an important cause.”
David’s most challenging days took place in the first week of the walk, tackling the highest peak and the longest day in succession. Making the 16-mile journey from Glenridding to Shap, this is saw the group take on lots of hills, including Kidsty Pike – the highest peak – a 780m Wainright. The following day saw the group walk 20.5 miles from Shap to Kirkby Stephen.
Initially setting his fundraising target at £1,000, David has been overwhelmed at the support he has received over the course of the challenge, raising over ten times what he initially set out to do. Before he’d even taken his first steps, David had received a number of generous donations, putting him at over £3,000 on the first day of the challenge. Amazed by the kindness of those who had donated, this spurred David on to raise as much money as possible, and since then he has added over £8,000 to the overall total.
Crewe and Nantwich Cancer Research UK Area Manager, Rebecca Graham commented;
“We are very grateful to David for his fantastic fundraising, it’s been wonderful to see the updates from the Coast to Coast walk and are astonished to see how much David has raised. We’d like to say a big thank you to David for his efforts.”
David added;
“I am overwhelmed by the support I have received over the last few weeks and would like to say a big thank you to anyone who has sent words of encouragement or has donated. Your kindness and generosity are much appreciated.”