A charity employee is gearing up to tackle a gruelling, long-distance walking route through the Scottish Highlands.
Stephanie Shackleton, who works for Blackburn-based charity Care Network, is raising money to support the organisation’s work helping thousands of local people through life’s ups and downs.
The West Highland Way is a long-distance walking route in Scotland covering a staggering 96.5 miles over challenging mountain terrain.
Stephanie, accompanied by a friend, plans to complete the route in just eight days beginning today.
The walking route will take her through spectacular countryside, with views of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
From here she will head up to the Bridge of Orchy and through Glencoe, with the final leg of the journey ending in Fort William to the north.
Stephanie, who has worked for Care Network for 14 years, said: “I only took up walking during lockdown and having experienced the wellbeing effect just a small half hour walk in the fresh air had, I now try to fit one into every day.
“I wanted to try something new that combined my love of walking with our work in Blackburn and Darwen, and a means of inspiring local people to get out and about.
“What better way to do that than by taking on a challenge for our charity and reaching out to inspire our community?”
Stephanie’s original target of £500 was surpassed just a few weeks into her campaign. She has now collected £1,300 for the organisation.
The fundraiser runs until the end of June, with the total raised being used to further develop the services Care Network provides to those most in need.
Care Network supports people living in the brough by connecting them with reliable services to empower them to live independent lives.
Care Network’s Marketing Consultant Dani said: “We are so proud of Stephanie for taking on this challenge.
"We wish her all the very best later this week when she takes on just under 100 miles of difficult Scottish terrain!
"Please donate to this fantastic cause - supporting Stephanie in her inspiring effort and enabling us to help more people in Blackburn and Darwen.”
You can support Stephanie’s fundraiser by visiting: bit.ly/stephaniecn or by contacting the team direct on 01254 507255.
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