Barnard Castle supermarket staff head for the hills to raise charity cash

A PAIR of supermarket staff are taking on a trio of mighty hikes to raise cash for a children’s charity.

Barnard Castle Morrisons workers Gary Marshall and Louise Weaver will climb Yorkshire’s three peaks in September for children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

Mr Marshall, a former town councillor, has given up smoking in order to tackle Phen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough and has also recruited specialist help.

He said: “I’m running on a morning as well .

“I’ve been a heavy smoker since the 1990s so it’s a big change.

“I have an ex-army personal trainer helping me and the dogs are getting a lot more exercise.”

CLIC Sargent is one of a number of charities the supermarket supports with branches across the country competing to see who can raise the most.

Barnard Castle’s branch has also supported the town’s food bank at the Influence Church, on Galgate, in the past.

Mr Marshall’s daughter, Alison, has battled ill health in recent years.

The supermarket’s choice of charity held extra significance for him.

He added: “I am hoping it would be nice to give something back – it’s the best charity anyone could possibly think of.”

The pair have a provisional target of £200 but hope to raise more.

Ms Weaver is a keen runner and cyclist but admitted the challenge could be a “different ball game” to what she was used to.

Whatever the weather throws at them, the pair intend to complete the three peaks in less than a day.

Sponsorship and donations can be handed over in store.