News

Walking Weekend is a Personal Triumph for Louisa

On Saturday 25^th October 2008 17 Staff and partners completed the toughest annual walk ever attempted by the group, a 10 mile walk up the 3116ft Hellvellyn Mountain via the precarious striding edge route which incorporated some scrambling and climbing prior to reaching the summit and descending down the North East side of the mountain.

This walk was a huge personal achievement for Insurance Coordinator Louisa Sharpe (pictured) who after a severe illness and several operations some 18 years ago had been told by specialists that she would be confined to a wheelchair by the age of 40.  Louisa now 47, after a difficult start to the walk, dug in and showed true grit and determination to complete it. Commenting at the end of the walk through tear filled eyes that ?it was a huge personal achievement?.

The walk guide and ex Army Paratrooper commented that ?Louisa never even told me about her illness until after the toughest section of the walk had been completed, she is a truly remarkable and brave woman, I have a lot of respect for her as this was a very tough walk?.

The Gelder Team unveil a flag at the summit.

Managing Director Steve Gelder and wife Wendy with Red Tarn in the background

The very brave Louisa Sharpe nears the summit of Hellvellyn

Wendy Gelder leads a team to the summit

North Midlands Divisional Manager Mick Millership engages a touch climb

Insurance Co-ordinator Sharon Hudson negotiates some rough terrain

North Midlands Divisional Manager Mick Millership (left) with Wendy Gelder on Striding Edge.

Construction Director Dave Gladwin and Major Contracts PA Denise Kell at the start of Striding Edge

Louisa Sharpe (right) celebrates her acheivements with colleagues Sharon Hudson (left) and Denise Kell (centre)