Members of the local Stocksbridge community recently joined Steel Valley Project staff and volunteers on a sponsored walk to celebrate our 30 year anniversary.
There was a choice of a 12 or 6 mile route, both of which visited many of the sites where we have undertaken projects over the years.
The walk started at Liberty Speciality Steel in Stocksbridge (who kindly provided free parking and our event HQ) before climbing up onto Whitwell Moor. Walkers then enjoyed stunning views across Strines, before stopping for a celebratory buffet at Bolsterstone village hall where the two routes split.
Those on the longer walk visited Wharncliffe Heath before returning back along the newly finished Little Don Link. For a final sting in the tail, the route went up steep steps onto the Steel Valley Walk, before making the final descent back into Stocksbridge.
The entry fees and sponsorship have so far raised a fantastic £943, which will go towards ongoing work to improve the local environment.
Tom Newman, Project Manager, thanked everyone who participated in the walk and helped to raise funds for the charity, including many of the local businesses in town who generously donated money to sponsor individuals. Stocksbridge Town Council also supported the event by providing funding for a commemorative metal water bottle which all participants received.
Special thanks must go to Dark Peak Fell Runners, based in Sheffield, who held the ‘Royal International Dungworth Fell Race’ on the same day and donated all their entry fees from the event to the Steel Valley Project’s current crowdfunding appeal to replace a stolen strimmer.
Donations can still be made to this appeal here.