Charles Wyatt Memorial Walk

CHARLES WYATT MEMORIAL WALK

Sunday 12 September 2004

Charles Wyatt has organized the first 15 Redcar Rotary Sponsored Walks, planning the route and organizing the logistics of the day. We were very sad to announce that Charles died on 25 May 2004. We will miss a valued member and friend; our club decided to dedicate the 2004 sponsored walk in his memory. Pat Wyatt requested that a donation from the money raised be made to the Teesside Hospice. 

Map of the three possible walks, in Farndale between Castleton  and Hutton-le-Hole in the North York Moors National Park.

The chosen route started from the Lion at Blakey and led down into Farndale where walkers had a choice.  The seasoned walker could tackle the ascent to Rudland Rigg (260 metres height gain - 13 miles) with some wonderful views over the dale, while those who preferred a gentler stroll remained in this beautiful dale for the 10 mile Valley walk. The Chapel walk was a possible short cut which reduced this further to 7.5 miles. Finally all routes climbed back up to the railway trackbed for the return to the Lion Inn at Blakey.

Walkers could retain 50% of their sponsor money for their chosen charity; the remaining 50% was distributed to charity by the Rotary Club. A route map, light refreshments, check points and a "Completion of Walk" certificate were provided.

The walk attracted a record total of 120 walkers, 47 of whom did the longest, most strenuous walk. The Club is very grateful to all those who participated in making this occasion such a success. The youngest walker was Thomas Clark (9), the grandson of club President Mike Clark, but the youngest to complete the course was Archie Charles Wyatt (9 months) who was carried on father Andrew's back along the long Rudland Rigg course. Archie is Charles Wyatt's grandson. The walkers raised a magnificent total of £3,265 (50% more than the best previous) of which £1,873 was given to the Teesside Hospice for the purchase of a blood pressure monitor. Pat Wyatt (left in the picture) presented the cheque to Mariea Bridge of Teesside Hospice. The balance of £1,392 was given to Rotary Foundation, Charles having been our Foundation Chairman.