Walkers wanted to join ‘trek of a lifetime' in aid of children's charity

14 Feb 2020 02:17
Published by: Daniel Almond

The son of a local football legend is searching for kind-hearted hikers from across the region to join him on an awe-inspiring overseas challenge in aid of a children's charity.

54-year-old Graham Hill, whose father is Bolton Wanderers and England football legend Freddie Hill, is set to take on ‘Trek Transylvania' to raise funds for the charity Children Today from 10th to 15th September where he'll trek through the stunning landscapes of the Bucegi and Carpathian mountains and Piatra Crailui National Park. Graham and the other participants will also have a chance to explore Bran castle - known as the home of Dracula - as well as the city of Bucharest during the six-day challenge event.

Graham has raised thousands of pounds for Children Today over the past 10 years by taking part in a number of international challenges including hikes in the Grand Canyon and on the Peruvian Inca trail as well as treks in Malaysia and Slovenia.

"These international hiking challenges have all been very different but have all been really memorable trips enjoyed with some great people that have come together in aid of a wonderful cause", Graham comments. "Transylvania is somewhere I've never been before so I'm really looking forward to getting my teeth stuck into such a unique experience."

Children Today provides much-needed grants to young people and children with disabilities for specialised equipment such as adapted trikes and specialised car seats to help give them increased independence and the best possible quality of life. However, the charity is reliant on public donations and fundraising to continue to award these vital grants as it receives no funding from the Government or NHS.

Hugh McCaw, founder of Children Today comments: "We know that the equipment we fund can truly be life-changing. £1000 of sponsorship raised could help pay for a specially adapted trike to enable a child with cerebral palsy to go on a bike ride with their family or friends for the very first time."

Graham has already raised over £3K by organising a golf day at Turton Golf Club last year with his friend Paul Greenhalgh, who is also taking on the Trek Transylvania challenge, supported by their friends and family.

"It's amazing to have smashed my fundraising target for Trek Transylvania already thanks to the success of the golf day which I really couldn't have organised without the support of my wife Debbie, daughter Lucy or Paul's wife Lindsay", Graham adds. "I've been lucky enough to meet some of the families Children Today has supported and you don't realise how hard it must be for them and how life-changing the funds you raise can be until you meet them. Everyone can make a difference and by signing up to do an event like this, you really can help change a child's life."

The event is suitable to all abilities, although training is recommended. To sign up to the challenge, or for more information, visit https://www.childrentoday.org.uk/activities/trek-transylvania/

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