KCOM hikers set off on ‘epic’ anniversary challenge
TOP TEAM: The KCOM charity hikers preparing to set off
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
A team of hardy KCOM hikers are taking on a 120km walking challenge for charity.
More than 40 walkers from the Hull-based broadband supplier are set to traverse the region, from Filey Brigg to Hull city centre, over the course of three days to raise money for its three charities of the year – HEY Children’s University, Hull and East Yorkshire Mind and Age UK Hull & East Yorkshire.
Event organiser Kylie Hill said: “We’re really excited to be taking on our biggest challenge yet for charity and looking forward to getting out on the highways and byways of East Yorkshire, all the way home to Hull.
“We thought the best way to celebrate our 120th anniversary would be with an epic 120km-themed walking challenge and the route from the east coast at the top of the KCOM region, along the Wolds Way and down through East Yorkshire, was a perfect match. Our team has been putting in the hard miles training and now we’re ready to brave the blisters and push the endurance levels for three brilliant local charities.”
The challenge began at Filey Brigg on Monday, September 2, before wending its way, up hill and down dale, across the KCOM region and is part of the company’s 120th anniversary celebrations. It will take the hikers through the East Yorkshire Wolds, via Deep Dale and past intriguingly named places such as Spinney Fields, The Grits, Nut Wood, Wharram le Street and Weedley Dale, before reaching KCOM’s Hull city centre HQ with a fanfare on Wednesday evening.
ON THEIR WAY: The hikers in action
Setting off beneath overcast skies and with drizzle in the air, engineering team leader Olly Lockton said: “I did have the odd second thought when I got up this morning at 4.30am and it was pitch black and wet, but I’m sure it’ll all be fine once we’ve set off and got into our stride – and it’s all for a good cause, which is the main thing.”
Rose James, CEO of HEY Children’s University, said: “We are incredibly grateful to KCOM for choosing us as one of their charities for their 120 year celebrations. We would like to thank every single person taking part in this challenge – you are making a difference to local children and will help us to give them opportunities that they otherwise wouldn’t have.”
KCOM, which began life as Hull Corporation Department in 1904, is celebrating its 120th birthday this year with a number of events and activities. The KCOM 120km walk is the company’s biggest challenge to date.
Last year KCOM employees took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, raising more than £5,000 for Hull and East Yorkshire Mind.
Anyone who would like to sponsor the walkers on their hike can do so by visiting www.givewheel.com/fundraising/3877/kcom-12km-walking-challenge/