Pub regulars walk from Alston to Crook for charity
A GROUP of pub regulars from The Crown in Crook walked 30 miles on Saturday for a charity.
The lads set off from Alston, walking over the fells and the full length of Weardale to raise money
for Marie Curie and SSAFA charities. Fortunately, it was a clear, sunny day, which helped the lads in
their task as the moors and fells of the North Pennines can be bleak and dangerous in bad weather.
The nine regulars were prepared for anything and luckily had an enjoyable albeit tough 30 miles,
being cheered on as they passed through the towns and villages of Weardale.
One of the pub regulars who is also captain of the Monday A darts team and of the B pool team is
Jeff Ayre who is the brains behind The Crown’s efforts for charity. Jeff is an ex-serviceman and SSAFA
(Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Families Association)is a charity, which helps former servicemen and
women and their families. The Marie Curie Cancer charity was chosen because many of the regulars
as well as the landlord have lost family and friends to the disease.
Landlord, Val Bargewell and his wife, Libby, have run the pub for the last 13 years where they have
aided some real community spirit. Last year, Jeff enlisted their help by organising a 48-hours darts
marathon, aiming to score 1,000,001 in that time. Other customers sponsored the ones who took
part and donation buckets were on the bar too. Last year, the charity efforts raised £4200.
“We raised the first amount of money last year virtually over one weekend,” said Val. “It is
incredible how kind people are. Jeff is a great organiser, a pub regular and a very good friend as
well.”
“For everyone involved from Jeff Ayre to all the other walkers – Jordan Reed, Craig Smith, Dean
Milky Tindale, Michael Taylor, Danny Thexton, Samuel Abbott, Brandon Joe Hesp, we are so proud of
them all.
“There are not enough words to thank them. We would also like to mention and thank Susan
Fawcett who was with the lads all day from start to finish as their support driver.
“We are just so proud of them all – thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
The staff and customers are aiming to raise £10,000 this year with more charity events to come,
including another 48-hour darts marathon in September as well as a Race Night in July.
Watch this space.
