To celebrate her 40th birthday, Amanda Shilton, Senior improvement Advisor, set herself the challenge of walking up Pendle Hill 40 times; raising over £1,000 for the Trust charity, Hope and Mind at LSCFT.
Amanda who started her challenge on 13 April aimed to complete one walk a day but surprised herself and was able to complete some walks back meaning she was able to reach the top for a final time the day before her birthday!
Amanda explains:
“In a slightly last‑minute moment of sunshine-fuelled madness I decided I wanted to set myself a challenge, to celebrate my upcoming 40th birthday, but also to fundraise in memory of my brother Chris, as the 13 April marks three years since Chris died by suicide.
“This challenge is deeply personal, I’m incredibly grateful for my own wellbeing, and while this is a tough and slightly crazy challenge, it is one I’ve chosen, people do not choose to have a mental illness. I’ve decided to raise money for the Trust charity, Hope & Mind, which supports mental health, learning disability and autism services.”
Over the course of the challenge, Amanda walked roughly 80 miles and ascended more than 28,400 feet in total, which is comparable in both distance and elevation to climbing Mount Everest.
Amanda adds:
“I was genuinely surprised, I never believed I was capable of back-to-back walks, but I did it and it has completely changed how I’m viewing this challenge. I now have the option to complete two climbs in a single walk, I’ll be able to have rest days and I’m planning a final symbolic climb on my birthday!”
Thank you to Amanda for choosing to help us support brighter futures across Lancashire and South Cumbria and to everyone who supported her in Pendle Hill challenge.
