FITNESS fiends clocked up more than 8,000 kilometres under their own steam in February in aid of a vital Mid-Cheshire charity.

St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice's 100k Your Way challenge saw 80 participants travel 100 kilometres each in February, be it walking, running, cycling, or whatever else you can think of. 

This year’s youngest entrant was just 10 years old, while the oldest, Ron Steele, whose wife was cared for by St Luke’s before she died 25 years ago, is a spritely 91.

Ron, a keen hillwalker from Nantwich, even completed his challenge 11 days early.

Northwich Guardian: Winsford town mayor, Ernie Welch, did more than 10 times the requires distance, and only fell off his bike twice Winsford town mayor, Ernie Welch, did more than 10 times the requires distance, and only fell off his bike twice (Image: St Luke's Cheshire Hospice)

Terry Veal, who’s 79, did his 100 kilometres all in one go, cycling from his home in Hartford all the way to Neston in Wirral and back again.

In total, participants clocked up more than 8,000 kilometres – which is about the same the distance as Cheshire to the North Pole and back – raising more than £13,000 for the hospice. 

Winsford town mayor, Ernie Welch, also got involved, clocking up 815 kilometres on his e-bike. And what’s more, he only fell off twice.

Northwich Guardian: Sam and Chloe Anderson, from Northwich, did their 100K challenge in memory of Sam's dadSam and Chloe Anderson, from Northwich, did their 100K challenge in memory of Sam's dad (Image: St Luke's Cheshire Hospice)

Cllr Welch’s fundraising is part of his larger pledge towards the hospice, which is the town council’s nominated charity for his year in office.

St Luke’s community fundraiser, Rachel Hughes, said: “It’s been very humbling to support our 100k participants along their journey.

“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who took part, giving up their time and effort to get out and about to help raise vital funds for the hospice. You’re all amazing.”

For many supporters, the challenge had a personal element, with some completing the 100 kilometres in memory of a loved one.

Sam and Chloe Anderson from Northwich both got involved in memory of Sam’s dad.

Sam said: “My reason for taking part in this 100k Your Way challenge for St Luke’s Hospice was my dad.

“We are so grateful for the final days we had with him at the hospice. Knowing he was so well cared for gives us so much comfort.”