News | Friday, 30th June 2017

Historians to tackle charity walk along Hadrian’s Wall

Four students and a lecturer raising funds for Wood Street Mission

History students are to join one of their lecturers to raise funds for charity by walking the length of Hadrian’s Wall.

The four, who are just about to graduate with a degree in History from Manchester Metropolitan University, will spend five days between July 10 and 14 following the coast-to-coast path of the Roman partition with Dr Jason Crowley, a Lecturer in Ancient History.

The sponsorship they attract will go to the Wood Street Mission, a children’s charity based in the Spinningfields area of Manchester, and the aim is to raise £500 as a group.

Combining the two

Rob Jones said: “The History department had raised money for Wood Street Mission before with things like bake sales and we wanted to continue that relationship.

“We wanted to raise money for Wood Street Mission but at the same time appreciate the World Heritage Site: why not combine the two?

“We went to Hadrian’s Wall in 2015 with the University’s Ancient History and Classics Society and that’s where the idea came from really.

“Wood Street Mission does a lot of work with disadvantaged children and it’s good because it gives the youngsters a better start in life, with clothing, toys, books and it should help lead to a better education.

“It’s also a charity local to the University and we felt it was good to give something back to the community.”

Group of five

Among the coursemates who taking part are Rob, Saariah Quereshi and Davide Piccirillo.

Davide said: “'I'm taking part in this walk for a number of reasons.

“Raising awareness and funds for one of the most dedicated charities in Manchester is a huge honour for me, especially since it deals with families and children, who ultimately form the bedrock of all society.

“Secondly, the cultural aspect of this walk is not to be overlooked, as Hadrian's Wall is an iconic landmark in British culture and history.

“I am very much looking forward to begin my journey to help others improve their lives, develop my own interest in British culture and obviously, enjoy the beautiful landscapes this country has to offer.”

Five days, 94 miles

The group are walking west to east along Hadrian's Wall Path, starting in Bowness-on-Solway and finishing in South Shields, a total of 94 miles.

Rob said: “Individually, we have done practice five or six mile walks here and there but we’re going to over the next few weeks increase that to 10- or 15-mile training treks because that’s nearer to the distance we’ll have to cover each day on the charity walk.

“It’s going to be great as we get to explore the wall and raise money for a good cause at the same time.”

Dr Crowley said: “For the students doing this trek, this is their end of degree celebration.

"Most students may prefer a party and a glitzy graduation but this group wanted to something more far more memorable.

“They didn’t want to wait for their results – instead, they wanted to do something both academic and adventurous – and marching 94 miles in the footsteps of the Legion in whatever the weather can throw at us is most definitely academically adventurous.

“Like lots of our students at Manchester Metropolitan, they also have a strong sense of social responsibility, and so as well challenging themselves, they also wanted to raise money for the Wood Street Mission, a charity that supports underprivileged children.”

See the Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mmu-history