Brewery and gym bosses go Coast to Coast for charity

Matt Jackson from Lancaster Brewery and Sean Thornton, co-owner of 3-1-5 Health Club, teamed up to complete the Coast to Coast Walk.

Matt and Sean walked from Gretna to Lancaster, starting from The Metal Bridge on the Solway and ending in Silverdale, going further than the usual route to ensure they covered the 210 miles.

They camped overnight in all elements of weather, and were joined by supporters during various part of the seven-day journey.

Matt said: “We now both have many fond memories from the numerous scrapes we went through but are hugely satisfied at the achievement. One thing that will live on is the amazing coast we have on our doorstep that is mostly accessible to all. Silverdale is incredibly pretty but Millom stood out the most.

“Sellafield was very humorous as the police came out as did their security boat to take photos of us in our underwear to cross the river there.

“It was either that or walk 2km back to cross the railway tracks. Trust me, the blisters dictated that day, we crossed the river!”

The walk came about after 3-1-5 challenged residents and businesses to run, walk or swim their way through 210 miles to raise more than £1,000 for Sport Relief.

To add a further twist, Sean and his fellow 3-1-5 co-owner Ceri Smith had their own head-to-head competition with each other, having to complete the 210 miles in differing environments throughout the week.

Sean physically completed the Coast to Coast Walk, accompanied by Matt, while Ceri did her miles at 3-1-5 with members 
joining in. More than 2,000 miles were marched between all participants.

Ceri said: “Everyone here at the club, both members and the team, really enjoyed the challenge.

“There was a huge rivalry between some of the business teams which was great fun to experience and created a 
fantastic atmosphere around the club.”

The grand finale of the challenge at the Lancaster health club on March 20 was a junior swim challenge.

Swimmers were challenged to race 25m down the length of the main pool, jump out and stick a red nose to the window.