400-mile walk boosts charity (From Malvern Gazette)

400-mile walk boosts charity

1:02pm Friday 28th December 2007

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A KEEN fundraiser who grew up in Malvern has raised more than £4,500 for charity after trekking almost 400 miles across Ireland.

Pollyanne Hooley completed the 387 mile trek from Dublin to Glenbeigh in 24 days, at an average of 17 miles per day, to raise money for The Smile Train, a global charity that helps children who suffer from cleft lip and palate.

Ms Hooley, who now works as a consultant in London but still has a family home in Malvern, was joined on the adventure by her dog Flora, while friends and family also joined her at various stages along the route.

Despite some tough mountainous stages towards the end of the walk, and a suspected bout of food poisoning, Ms Hooley said the trip was an amazing experience.

"I had a brilliant time, and met some lovely and incredibly generous people," she said. "What a simple way to live, just sleeping, walking and eating, with a little drinking from time to time."

She still hopes to reach her fundraising target of £5,000, and anyone who would like to donate can visit www.justgiving.com/pollyannehooley.

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