Emotional and gruelling day for Wickersley fundraisers

DETERMINED fund-raisers peaked for a gruelling day-long challenge in memory of six teenagers and young men who lived within just a few miles of each other.

More than 50 members of the self-styled fundraising team Team Wick, who have so far raised £190,000 separately for charity, took on Yorkshire’s Three Peaks, and brought in another £5,500.

They were walking in tribute to Nick Walker, Alex Albiston, Matthew Wilcox, Matthew Kiernan and father and son Ryan and Tom Bothamley - all from Wickersley.

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Father and son Ryan and Thomas Bothamley both died from sudden adult death syndrome, and their family and friends have raised money for SADS UK since Ryan’s tragic death in 2002 aged just 15. 

They have continued fundraising after Thomas passed away from the hereditary condition aged 13 last year. 

Both Alex Albiston and Matthew Wilcox lost their lives in 2010. 

Alex, who was 18, had a rare bone cancer while 19-year-old Matthew died after falling into the River Aire.

Matthew Kiernan took his own life in 2013, aged 20. 

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Nick Walker was 16 when he died in a road accident in 2008. 

Among the walkers taking on the June 3 trek was Nick’s brother Tom, who described the successuful challenge as “a fantastic effort from all involved”.

Lewis Carder, cousin of Tom and Ryan Bothamley, said the walk was “really painful”, but added: “It was a big team effort. 

“A lot of us know each other anyway but bringing everyone together was really emotional - it was a really good day.

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“We all set off from the Tanyard at Wickersley and there were a few beers supped afterwards.”

Lewis said he hoped the total raised, which will go to The Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity, Bone Cancer Research, SADS UK and CALM, will reach up to £7,000 when all the sponsorship cash is collected.

He said Team Wick were now planning further fund-raisers, possibly including a music festival next year.

“Never a day goes by when the six lads are not thought of in the village, but it definitely helps to bring everyone together like this,” he said.

Donations can be made to the group’s appeal page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/wickersley3peaks.

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