Staff from the Colne-based GGM Group were disappointed that due to current restrictions in the lake district, they are unable to complete the company’s annual charity walking event, which this year was to climb the three highest peaks in England.

Determined not to be defeated, managing director Chris Gibson has come up with his own ingenious way of completing the challenge.

Chris Gibson

Chris has pledged to travel from his home town of Lancaster to the businesses’ head office in Colne and then back again covering a distance of approximately 100 miles - through a combination of cycling and walking. The walking element will cover the Lancashire Witches Walk which passing through the Forest of Pendle, the town of Clitheroe and the Forest of Bowland to finish at Lancaster Castle.

Chris said, “Last year the GGM team completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks in aid of our company charity, Greenfingers, and we were looking forward to this year’s event.

“As part of the Government’s initiative to get us back to work via walking or cycling, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to continue our fundraising. I’ve decided to create my own version, which adheres to government guidelines and so I will be cycling to work from Lancaster and then walk home over the Lancashire Witches Walk.

"I’ve chosen this route because it was created to mark the 400th anniversary of the trail of the 'Lancashire Witches' held at Lancaster Castle and I wanted to recognise the injustice and prejudice of the past and the need continue to fight to remove these from society today. Our team will be participating in our efforts, with people undertaking different legs in pairs, to enable social distancing."

The event will raise money for charities who are finding themselves cash-strapped during these difficult times. Greenfingers is the company charity for the second year running, dedicated to supporting children who spend time in hospices around the UK, along with their families, by creating inspiring gardens for them to relax in. In addition, funds will also be raised for St John’s Hospice in Lancaster which provides free palliative care to patients with life shortening conditions across North Lancashire, South Lakes and parts of North Yorkshire and Pendleside Hospice in Burnley, which exists to promote and enhance quality of life for people with life-limiting illnesses.

Chris  concluded, “It’s a key part of our ethos at The GGM Group to give something back to the local community so for this event we’ve decided to support both St John’s Hospice in Lancaster and Pendleside Hospice in Burnley, as local charities who are desperately in need of funds at this time alongside Greenfingers our nominated company charity.

“As we all adapt to the “new normal”, becoming more environmentally aware is a key part our business strategy and we are currently working with East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce undertaking ISO14001 accreditation - the small things like staff walking or cycling to walk all make a difference."

The GGM Group has set a target of £1000 for the event. You can support this worthy cause by donating here.