By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 13:49, Tuesday, 26 June 2012

More than 100 intrepid walkers strode out to raise cash for multiple sclerosis.

Duncan Booth

Torrential rain had threatened to wipe out the annual 10in10 Challenge in the Newlands Valley.

At one point it looked as if the tribute walk to MS sufferer Duncan Booth, of Keswick – started out by mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington – would have to be cancelled.

Duncan had already completed his 10in10 Challenge 10 days previously.

He had rowed his sculling vessel up and down Derwentwater for 10 hours through the night to raise funds for the terrible disease that struck him two years ago at the age of 39.

For those who wagered on the final mileage he would do as part of his MS appeal, his satnav registered 28 miles.

But on Saturday flood and gale warnings on the fells threatened the safety of the 115 people who assembled in the marquee on the pub car park.

The original route was shrouded in clouds and driving rain.

Undaunted, organiser of the 10in10, Duncan’s wife, Yvonne, and co-helpers Cheryl Frost and Andrea Clayton, of Keswick, worked through the small hours to make alternative plans.

The result was 115 walkers braved raging becks and heavy rain to complete a more apt route 13 miles long for the conditions.

Even then thanks to further deluges, word was sent ahead by two-way radios to change the course yet again.

Walkers were obliged to change tack in the later stages in the interests of keeping everyone safe.

Sir Chris said: “Duncan Booth is an object lesson to us all. I think the way he has responded to his illness while he is still able has been inspirational.”

“It was a hell of a day,” said recently retired Penrith charted accountant Ron Kenyon, 61, who walked the route with his wife.

“The track was waterlogged and fellside running with water.”

Duncan, of Manor Park, Keswick, a former primary school teacher at St Herbert’s School, had pledged to raise funds to help find a cure for the disease.

This year’s event hopes to be even bigger than last year, when £24,000 was raised.

First published at 11:29, Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk