FUNDRAISING walkers braved charging bulls and torrential downpours to raise £1,500 for a hospice by walking the length of the Sandstone Trail.

The 30-strong team from Tata Chemicals Europe, which included representatives from St Luke’s Hospice, completed the 34-mile route over about 12 hours.

Tata Chemicals Europe communications manager Richard Redman, who walked the trail, said: “It was a great day, and very much a family affair.

“We opened it out to spouses and children, which we felt was an appropriate decision because of the wonderful work that St Luke’s Hospice does to help families in our communities.

“The day was quite eventful – we were charged by bulls, drenched in rain, and I even received a shock from an electric fence!

“But I think we’d all agree that we would do it all again for this great cause.

“We donned hiking boots, waterproofs and rucksacks full of nutrition to last us the day, and set off walking at 7am from Whitchurch in Shropshire, arriving at Frodsham after 7pm.

“At the halfway point we were met by the St Luke’s Hospice big red bus, from which we were served pasties, cupcakes and refreshments – much-needed energy for the second half of the trek.”

So far, the team of Tata Chemicals Europe and St Luke’s Hospice have raised £1,535, and Tata bosses have agreed to match whatever is raised, so the final total will exceed £3,000.

If you would like to support the fundraising event you can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/tatasandstone.