Peak performance sees Hog’s Hike conquer mountain challenge
Sure-footed hospitality workers from The Hog’s Head Inn rose to a heady challenge at a speedy pace last week, as they conquered the Northumberland Six Peaks in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
The 13-stong team lead by general manager Sean Schofield were inspired to lace up their hiking boots in support of the charity following direct experiences with cancer in the last year.
Made up from the front of house, kitchen and housekeeping departments at The Inn Collection Group’s Alnwick pub with rooms, the squad included team members Andy Donegan, Charlie Budd and Alfie Dunn.
Aiming to raise £500, the kind-hearted group eclipsed that target with ease and have currently reached a total of £2150 thanks to the generous support of family, colleagues and customers alike.
Undertaking a route planned by Schofield and Emily Hoare, who are both qualified Mountain Guides, the intrepid adventures made light work of the ascents of Comb Fell, Cold Law, Broadhope and Scald Hills , Hedgehope and Long Crags in just seven-and-a-half hours.
It wasn’t just the terrain or distance that provided the challenge for the team, with four seasons in a day including blazing sunshine and driving rain.
But with support received in the back of their minds, the hikers powered through before returning to home for a well-earned rest in the comfortable inn.
“We are a close-knit group at The Hog’s Head Inn and the hike just seemed like an excellent fit to raise funds for a worthy cause and strengthen our team spirit at the same time,” said Schofield.
“The six peaks is quite a challenge but everyone of the hikers rose to it superbly and to raise over £2,000 through this is just phenomenal. I can’t wait to see what we decide to do next as a team!”
The Hog’ Hike is the latest in a long line of undertakings from the 12-year-old pub who have also supported Alnwick Food Bank, Alnwick Christmas Lights, Longhoughton Ranges and Northumberland Mountain Rescue with donations over the last two years.
Those causes were supported thanks to the pub’s share of The Inn Collection Group’s Give Inn Back fund, which allows each of its 30 inns across northern England and Wales to help the causes in their communities that are closest to their team’s hearts.
Schofield added: “Its great that we are encouraged to get involved in our local communities and can make a difference to such a wide range of good causes.
“We’re in the business of making people happy and it is so rewarding that we can do things like the Hog’s Hike in that spirit.”
Donations in support of MacMillan Cancer Support are still able to be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hogshike