A RADIOGRAPHER from Wallasey has taken a three-month career break to take on a challenge in memory of his parents and the many patients at Clatterbridge.
Karl Bunnell, 39, has taken a break from working as a diagnostic radiographer at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, with the aim of hiking all 214 Wainwrights to raise money for the charity.
He has set aside three months to complete his Wainwright challenge, which includes a break in September to do the Berlin Marathon.
He said: "Between the dates of July 31 and October 31, I will attempt to hike, climb and scramble all of the 214 Wainwright peaks of the Lake District, where I shall take up residency for the duration of the challenge.
"Made infamous in the hiking and fell-walking community, the multimillion bestselling 'Pictorial Guide To The Lakeland Fells', written by Alfred Wainwright throughout the 1950s and 1960s, details the numerous mountains, fells and hills of the Lake District. This includes 36,000 metres of ascent, 7000 metres more than the height of Everest, and approximately 525 Kilometres of hiking."
Karl added: "I will do all of this in support of the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity. I’ve chosen to do this for two reasons: firstly, not only do I already work for Clatterbridge as a Diagnostic Radiographer, and have seen the hugely important work that goes into supporting thousands of patients experiencing their cancer journey, but for personal reasons as well.
"In December 2020, I lost my mother suddenly and then my father passed away after a short illness in January 2023. I received outstanding support from the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre during an extended period of very difficult times for myself and my family.
"So, I would like to take this opportunity to give something back, to say thank you for the support, and to raise funds to support our patients going through the most difficult times in their lives too.
"I will dedicate this event to my parents’ memory and to the many patients that come through the doors of our hospital every single day.
"I have set my fundraising target as £2,140.00 – the equivalent of £10 per Wainwright. I appreciate these are tough times for many, and I am in an incredibly lucky and privileged position to take a career break to pursue what is a personal dream for me.
"Thank you so much to everyone who has already shown their support and sponsored me on this challenge."
Clatterbridge fundraiser Elspeth Wilson said: "We can’t thank Karl enough for his amazing support. It’s really special when a member of staff chooses to support our charity in their own time.
"We are so grateful for everything Karl is doing to raise awareness, and to help fund research, support services and innovations in care at Clatterbridge for those with cancer in our region."
To donate to Karl, you can visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/karl-bunnell6
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