Hike gets Hannah's backing

Calderdales Rio heroes, Halifaxs own Hannah Cockcroft, and Mytholmroyd based Steve Bate along with Steves tandem cycling partner, Adam Duggleby, were celebrated at a free homecoming event at the Shay Stadium in Halifaxlast night. 11 October 2016. Picture Bruce Rollinson

The Halifax Long March is Calderdale’s oldest sponsored night hike and hardy walkers have been taking part since 1966.

Originally established to support Christian Aid, the event is now open to all charities across the UK as well as local community groups and non-profit organisations.

This year more than 35 organisations will benefit from the event, which sees walkers follow a secret route around Calderdale.

Wheelchair racer Hannah, 24, who hails from Mount Tabor, said: “Being local, I always read about it every year and hear the stories and about the people who are doing it and I just think it’s fantastic.

“People are pushing themselves through barriers, it’s a long walk, it’s a long way to go and it’s night so people are cold and tired. It’s such a big thing to do, so it’s nice to put my name to it and let local people know that, even though I’m not going to be there myself, that I think it’s fantastic that they are joining in.”

The Halifax Long March will begin on April 16 at 11pm and will finish the following day at around 10am.

The walk is open to anyone over the age of 14, and wheelchair access is available at all rest centres along the route.

If you would like to take part in this year’s event, you can register online by visiting longmarch.org.uk/getInvolved