Janice Hamilton and Harlie

A mountain rescuer is walking the Pennine Way to raise funds for her team and for an animal charity.

Janice Hamilton, an assistant leader with the Coniston Mountain Rescue Team, is being accompanied on the challenge by her dog Harlie.

Funds raised will be split between the team’s appeal for a new base and Animal Rescue Cumbria, the charity founded by the late guidebook author Alfred Wainwright.

Ms Hamilton began her walk at Edale in the Peak District on Tuesday and is heading for Kirk Yetholm, 268 miles to the North.

She said: “We require a new mountain rescue base and I am hoping to help raise funds for this. The cost will be huge and as a charity we rely heavily on donations.

“I have been in the rescue team for 13 years and it is like a second job to me. However, since the current base was constructed, demands have increased for more appropriate areas to house the casualties and their family and friends, and more space for the specialised equipment and training required; hence the decision to build a new one.

“Plans and talks have begun, and so now must the fundraising.

“In addition, my main love is animals and therefore I wanted to include a local animal charity, so I am also hoping people will donate to Animal Rescue Cumbria, (Wainwright’s Shelter). This charity has never-ending bills to pay for the animals they take in – food, housing, vets’ fees etc.

“Without the generosity of the public, the rescue centre would not be able to care for these unwanted animals who, through no fault of their own, have sadly found themselves without a loving home.”

Ms Hamilton is paying the cost of the walk herself.

She added: “While this may not seem too daunting for some people, it will be a challenge for us. I shall be 66 years old and still recovering from revision knee replacement surgery, and Harlie will be nearly 11 years old.

“It would mean such a lot to me personally if I can raise enough money for each charity for them to say ‘wow!’. The funds will be equally shared between the two charities. I also appreciate these are not good times because of the pandemic, so any donations whatsoever received, I will be truly grateful for.”

Donations to the appeal can be made via Janice Hamilton’s GoFundMe page.