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summit. Pic: Rosemere Cancer Foundation
A team of regulars from a Preston pub have raised more than £5,000 for charity by summiting Scafell Pike while carrying a barrel of beer.
The team, from the Lostock Alehouse in Lostock Hall, Preston raised the funds for Rosemere Cancer Foundation, trekking up one of England’s highest mountains.
After carrying the pub’s award-winning beer to the top, they opened the barrel and offered other climbers a chance to enjoy a beer in exchange for a donation to Rosemere.
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The nine-gallon, 72-pint barrel of beer weighed 60 kilos (9.45 stones) and combined with difficult weather conditions, made for a difficult trek.
Ben, whose dad, Ray, opened the Alehouse four years ago and who was one of the carriers said: “It’s really hard to put into words what we have just achieved. The task that I naively put together was one that mentally and physically pushed people to their limits, myself particularly.
“At times when I wanted to just say that’s enough for me, I genuinely thought about my family and others who would have wanted to give up but didn’t when getting treated at Rosemere Cancer Centre. That really kicked me on.
“The weather changed from sunshine and views to thick damp cloud and drizzle. You could only see 20 metres ahead. The terrain underfoot was steep, uneven and at any time, an ankle could be twisted or broken. Scafell may not be the highest of the national three peaks but is known as the hardest underfoot.”
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They were inspired to fundraise for Rosemere after Ray lost his father Tom best friend John Shingleston and his 56-year-old brother Dean all to cancer. Ben’s nanny, Sandra, also underwent successful treatment for breast cancer at the centre.
Ben added: “Nobody tells you about coming down being almost as hard as the ascent. The steepness and slippiness of the rocks made it extremely difficult.
“After landing back at the van, emotions were high. I cannot put into words the efforts that our team put in together. Absolute warriors, men and women I am proud to call friends.”
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The team had left the Alehouse just before 6am and arrived back at 6:45pm. They were greeted with a victory party led by vocalist, Dean Doran, which continued the fundraising.
Yvonne Stott, community and events fundraiser for Rosemere Cancer
Foundation said: “Many congratulations to the Lostock Alehouse team on an epic achievement. I think they found out why no one had ever before done what they managed to do in taking up a heavy barrel of beer.
“It was incredibly tough and we’re incredibly grateful for their support as well as very relieved everyone got up and down in one piece.”
To find out more about Rosemere Cancer Foundation you can visit their website.
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