PM throws weight behind charity walk (From Bucks Free Press)

PM throws weight behind Iain Rennie Three Peaks Challenge

5:33pm Tuesday 11th September 2012 in News By Dominique Ellis

PRIME Minister David Cameron has offered his support to this year’s participants of the Three Peaks Challenge charity hike.

The event takes place this Sunday to raise money for Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care (IRGH).

After a chance meeting with some of the walkers during the challenge last year, they were touched by how encouraging he was towards their fundraising. The PM has now expressed his support before the event on Sunday.

Mr Cameron said: "Hospices make an immense contribution to the care of people approaching the end of their lives and their families and I know how important the fundraising efforts of the public are to hospices, enabling them to continue their valuable work.

"I wholeheartedly support the aims of Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care’s Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge. I hope that all involved will have a most enjoyable time and wish you every success in your fundraising efforts."

Registration is still open for the sponsored walk through the Chiltern Hills and hundreds of people have already signed up for a five, nine or 18 mile walk.

The Chilterns 3 Peaks Challenge raises approximately £75,000 each year, which adds to the £6.5 million needed annually from fundraising to meet the demand for its services, which are all offered at no charge to the patient.

IRGH’s Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Gillian Barnett was pleased that Mr Cameron has once again expressed his support for everyone’s efforts, this time more formally.

She said: "We would like to add our encouragement to the Prime Minister’s and ask for people to sign up to join us to help local patients and their families."

Join fellow walkers for the walk through the countryside taking in Whiteleaf Cross, Coombe Hill and Ivinghoe Beacon. Registration is at Princes Risborough School and will be open from 9.30am and 10.30am for the 18 miles and 10am and 11am for the five or nine miles.

There will be a BBQ at Wendover where walkers can buy food. Entry costs £15 for adults, £7.50 for children.

For more information go to www.c3peaks.com or call 01442 820739.