14 June 2005
Hike offers hope for African HIV orphans
Children left orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Africa are the number one priority for employees at an antiques business who are raising money for them with a 36-mile mountain trek.
The group of eight, all from Tomlinsons antique warehouse, at Tockwith between Wetherby and York, have been rigorously training for the past two months in their bid to raise £10,000.
Their walk for Hope HIV will see them attempt 15 peaks, including a total ascent of over 13,000 feet, in Snowdonia, Wales, on the weekend of 24-26 June.
Tomlinsons Director Jim McMahon, said: “We are looking forward with anticipation and trepidation to the walk, and are aiming to complete the walk in 20 hours, starting at 4am and hopefully finishing before midnight.
“Few of the people doing it are experienced walkers and they have given up as lot of their spare time in an effort to train for, what is, a very gruelling challenge. To attempt to complete this walk in 24 hours is going to be a big effort, but all eight of us are looking forward to the challenge.”
As part of their training schedule they have so far completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks, Helvellyn in the Lake District along with two hikes in Snowdonia.
The money raised will help to provide homes, education and practical training for African orphans who would otherwise be left homeless and without adult support of any sort. The charity also provides much needed emotional support for the children trying to come to terms with the premature loss of their parents.
The other seven people talking the walk are Rob Kirkley, Driver; Angela Dawson, Restorer; Andy Hunter, Warehouse Manager; Helen Wright, Administrator; Norma Wright, Receptionist/Cleaner; Julie Williams, Cafe Manager and John Geldard, Administrator. Anyone wanting to donate online can do so at www.justgiving.com/tomlinsons. It is also possible to pledge or donate by contacting the company by phone on 01423 358833.
–ENDS–
Issued on behalf of Tomlinsons by Blueprint PR. For further details please contact Stefanie Riese-McCartney on 0113 290 4270 or email stefanier@jdapr.co.uk
Notes for editors
Tomlinsons has been established for over 25 years, and is now the leading British supplier of antique furniture to the UK and overseas trade.
The company offers antique and traditional furnishings to traders and the public. More than 2,000 items are brought into the warehouse each month and 5,000 items are in stock at any one time.
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