Wainwrights, fells, lakes and tarns: Becky's story
Retired Macmillan Nurse Becky Christmas is taking on a remarkable challenge this year. She is walking 214 Wainwrights and 116 Fells. Swimming 13 lakes and 12 tarns. And organising other events to challenge her friends and herself to be more active.
Since the beginning of the year, Becky has already completed over 100 challenges. She is aiming to raise £35,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
"As we get older, a lot of people say, 'I can't do it.' With this challenge, I want to encourage all of my friends, whatever their ability, to come and join me. Some of them might swim. Some of them might hike. Some of them might do a small 2-mile walk, but for them that's their Everest. I want everyone to achieve their Everest, have fun and make connections," Becky says.
Becky worked as a palliative care nurse in the NHS for over 30 years. She also worked as a Macmillan nurse for many years, supporting people with cancer and their families during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
Since retiring, she has moved to the Lake District and is challenging herself to explore more of what it has to offer.
This year she is planning to do one 1 thing a day. This includes:
- walking 214 Wainwrights (these are specific fells in the Lake District made popular by the famous walker Alfred Wainwright)
- hiking 116 outlying fells (a small mountain or upland hill, also popularised by Alfred Wainwright)
- swimming 13 lakes and 12 tarns (a small mountain lake)
- and 6 other fun fundraising activities to be decided!
"I had a fantastic career, and I didn’t learn everything in a textbook,” Becky says. “I learned it from patients, their families and my colleagues. I was so inspired by what I learned throughout my career, and I wanted to give something back. I’m not there on the ‘shop floor’ with patients and their families anymore, but through fundraising I can still help."
Becky isn't taking on these challenges alone. She is encouraging her friends to join her in a way that works for them. Her team so far has included the Oak Pub in Braithwaite, the Grasmere Gather gift shop in Ambleside, the Cumbrian Heavy Horses society, and numerous friends.
"I think she's been absolutely amazing and it's such a mad challenge to take on all these mountains and lakes over the year. It's really encouraging us to get out as well. There are days where we certainly wouldn't have come out if it has just been us on our own, but because she is doing it, we feel we need to support her," says Elaine Needham, Becky's friend.
To follow along Becky's journey, check out her Facebook page Challenge 365 or JustGiving page.
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