Rush Round Rotherham walk fundraisers prove their stamina

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr John Foden, set them on their way into the countryside from the stately home’s stables area.

The event combined two annual charity treks — the Rotherham Rotary Roundwalk and the Rush To Walk in memory of Sandra Rush.

Woodhouse sponsored both events, with the 7.5-mile ramble the most popular with more than 100 entrants.

Nearly 50 walkers opted for the full 25-mile Roundwalk challenge, returning to Woodhouse via Treeton and Rotherham town centre.

John Wadsworth, from the Rotary club, said: “Some of the walkers, unfamiliar with the area, said they were stunned by the views encountered, particularly when the sun chose to shine.

“Some struggled on the uphill finish through the deer park, but only three walkers failed to complete the course.”

Veteran walker Margaret Littledyke (72) beat all the youngsters to win the Sheldon Rowley Salver in the ladies’ competition, while walk regular Ken Cawthorne won the men's trophy for the third time in 13 years.

Rush to Walk organiser Gillian Headon said the move to Woodhouse had been successful and hoped the event would raise a substantial sum to add to the £177,500 collected in previous years.

Rotary organiser Michael Sumption praised the work of Gillian and her colleagues and thanked all who had helped out on May 4.

Results of the 25-mile challenge: Men 1. Ken Cawthorne (5hr 24min), 2. Andrew Winder (5hr 35min), 3=. Matthew Johnson and Richard Johnson (5hr 42min).

Ladies: 1. Margaret Littledyke (5hr 49min), 2. Andrea Rudkin (6hr 7min), 3. Catherine Eddison (6hr 33min).