Northumberland father and daughter take on 24-hour winter solstice walk for deaf charity
A man and his daughter are tackling a 24-hour winter solstice walk at Druridge Bay to support deaf people.
For the past decade, Derek Allen, from Broomhill, has completed annual charity walks alongside his now 18-year-old daughter Ellie.
Choosing to support a different cause each year, this time Derek will fundraise for The Royal National Institute for Deaf People in support of his wife, Melanie, who has recently suffered prolific hearing loss.
The walk will take place at the lake at Druridge Bay Country Park on Sunday, December 21, marking the winter solstice. Beginning at 10am, the pair will walk in a clockwise direction around the lake for an entire 24 hours.
This is the first walk the father-and-daughter are doing since Ellie flew to Australia to pursue her dream of playing professional cricket back in September. Ellie will be flying home to celebrate Christmas – but also to support her dad.
“My dad has always been there for me,” she revealed.
“I don't want to see him do this walk alone especially during the tough night time hours so I'm making sure I'm there for him. Even if that means a flight from Australia."
There will be a team at the lakeside to cheer them on with a supply of mince pies, and members of the community are invited to join for a lap or two or to just offer their support.
Those who wish to make a donation can do so via Just Giving. All funds will go towards helping people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.