Thousands of pounds were raised from a mammoth cross-country charity walk in memory of a much-loved young Tarporley man.
Friends and family of Richard Pover who lost his battle with testicular cancer last year aged just 21, paid tribute to him by attempting a 63-mile walk in 24 hours from Sheffield to Tarporley to mark the first anniversary of his death.
Richard, who had been studying for a masters degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Sheffield, was just weeks short of his 22nd birthday when he lost his 19-month cancer battle.
He received such exemplary care from the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit near his student accommodation in Sheffield that his friends and family felt compelled to do something to raise money for the charity.
That’s why dozens of friends from all over the country set off from Sheffield last week, stopping first for a photograph at a commemorative tree planted in Richard’s memory.
Richard’s mum Anne, who also took part in the walk, said the weekend meant a lot to her.
“It was lovely to see Richard's friends again and other family members.
Some didn’t make it the whole of the way but a couple walked the entire 63 miles. Overall it was a mammoth effort and so far we think we have raised about £8000.
“Most of us were hobbling around afterwards. I have some impressive red marks and blisters around my lower legs where my boots rubbed but some of the boys had the most terrible looking blisters and sore feet.
“The consensus of opinion was that perhaps the challenge was a little too ambitious and next year they'll do a cake sale!”
Anne added: “When I think about the weekend I am once again overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of Richard's friends.
“The effort that went into organising it was immense - from deciding on the challenge to planning the route, setting up charity pages, getting to Sheffield and arranging somewhere to stay, sorting out the support van and working out how to get home once they were stranded in Tarporley without transport.
“Afterwards we let off some red balloons for Richard and raised a glass to him.
“I could talk for hours about how much the whole weekend meant to us.”
You can also watch a video of some of the walk.
