Contours Completes the Dovedale Dipper

This year, in a bid to show our mettle and do our bit for charity, the team signed up for the Dovedale Dipper, a 26 mile walk and a 15 mile alternative ramble through some of Derbyshire’s most undulating terrain.

Choosing a charity to support is never easy given the thousands of worthwhile causes, but choosing to support Breakthrough Breast Cancer and their remarkable research, campaigning and education, was an easy one for the team. Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer in women and even within the small Contours team, many have encountered this devastating disease.

Nearly a year since signing up and after a series of gruelling training sessions and tireless fundraising efforts, the 5 ^th August 2012 saw the team line up at the start of the Dovedale Dipper, apprehensive of the challenge that lay ahead, but confident that they would cross the finishing line victorious.

The team were eased into the challenge with cloudy, but dry weather and gentle slopes leading to a series of check-points offering much needed biscuits and orange juice. By the time the rain took hold and the steeper hills came into view, those biscuit stops proved invaluable and despite the rumble of thunder in the distance, the team remained wet, but positive.

Inevitably, the rain took its toll and after a flurry of runners, the ground was beginning to resemble a mud bath in places. Despite a few slips and an incredibly steep uphill section, the team trudged on to arrive in Hartington with little complaint besides very sore feet, legs and a collection of blisters.

Over 300 people took part in the event, which is organised by Matlock Rotary Club and this year saw the event celebrate its tenth year. It was great to see so many people taking part and enjoying the wonderful Derbyshire countryside while raising money for some great causes.

Our current fundraising total rests at £1453.45. Thank you to everyone who has supported the team so far.