Drinks will not be a problem on hike (From Malvern Gazette)

Drinks will not be a problem on hike

12:02pm Friday 22nd March 2013 in News

MANY who venture across the Malvern Hills enjoy nothing more than a well-earned drink at the end oftheir hike.

But a group of fund-raisers are set to be accompanied by a pub bar throughout their near eight-mile walk tomorrow (Saturday) in a bid to raise thousands for a cancer charity.

The Bar Leaners, who are largely made up of Ledbury Rugby Club members, will carry the full-size booze holder from the Malvern Hills Hotel along the fells before ending the hike at the Nag’s Head in Malvern.

Money raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Support whose fund-raising manager Jenny Goddard said there was a serious message behind the trek.

“I am delighted the Bar Leaners have decided to take on this quirky challenge and that they are continuing to help us to help others fighting cancer,” she said.

“These events help us to highlight our services and encourage both current and potential supporters to hold events for us.

“On behalf of everyone at Macmillan I would like to thank the members of the Bar Leaners for their efforts and wish them good luck with their challenge.”

The 11-strong Bar Leaners are a group of friends who got together in the mid-1980s with plans to hold an annual ball with their mates in a barn.

The tradition continues to this day with almost 250 guests turning out each year.

Last year the wife of a ‘Bar Leaner’ developed breast cancer causing the friends to consider giving something back to those who treat others with the illness.

The walk begins at 10am with the group hoping to finish by 4pm.

The fundraisers have already raised almost £2,000.

Supporters will carry donation buckets along the route. Money can also be given online at justgiving.com/TheBarleaners