One man and his dog set for epic Peak District walking challenge

Peter Hartland, chief executive of St Luke’s Hospice in Sheffield, and his working cocker spaniel Ruby are aiming to raise £5000 on their four-day walking adventure.

They are taking on the expedition in aid of the 2016 Master Cutler’s Challenge - an annual campaign in which businesses across the region are urged to raise money for good causes. This year’s fundraising project headed by master and mistress cutler Craig and Karen McKay is raising money for both St Luke’s and Rotherham Hospice.

Having seen how many companies have joined the campaign, Peter decided he should lead by example and do some fundraising of his own.

And three-year-old family pet Ruby, a rescue dog from the RSPCA in Chesterfield, should prove the ideal travelling companion.

Peter said: “We’ll be walking 100 miles through the Peak District starting on August 19, starting and finishing at St Luke’s in a circle via Glossop and Buxton. Ruby is a working cocker spaniel so she’ll be doing more like 500 miles running and tail wagging.

“She loves swimming so I’m aiming to keep as close to the water as possible because she likes to run so far and then cool off with a dip and a paddle.”

Peter’s wife Isabel will be providing support to Ruby by driving, walking and making sure that all is well.

He added: “There are times when Ruby can get a little tired so Isabel will be there to make sure she is okay, but I reckon she’ll run the whole way and it’ll be me that needs the help.”

Peter has already raised more than £3000 towards his £5000 target, with support from companies and organisations including Race Cottam, The Facey Family Foundation, The Neill Family Trusts, Elevation Recruitment Group, John James Financial Advisers, Hooley Tratt, Westfield Charitable Trust, Mascot Management, Handelsbanken and Towergate.

He said: “It’s great to know we are doing so well without even walking a step. But now the real challenge is about to begin and I’ll think the blisters are well worth it if I can get to £5000.”

Anyone who would like to support Peter’s charity walk can donate online at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PeterHartland

More than £1 million has been raised since the Master Cutlet Challenge launched in 2008.