By David Graham

Published at 15:49, Wednesday, 05 August 2009

A TEAM of United Utilities computer buffs have raised an amazing £60,000 in a gruelling sponsored trek across 38 Lake District peaks.

THE ONLY WAY IS UP: ... Mike Naden and colleagues from United Utilities

The 17 friends and colleagues spent four days walking across the northern fells, starting at Loweswater and finishing at Pooley Bridge, making a total of 60 miles and 20,000 feet of ascent. £10,000 of the money raised will go the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Teams.

Mike Naden, managing director of United Utilities’ IT operations and organiser of the walk, said: “We always hoped to raise a lot of money, but this is phenomenal. We are able to give Cumbrian’s mountain rescue groups £4,000 more than originally planned.”

The Search and Mountain Rescue Association is run by a group of volunteers and relies entirely on donations to carry out their work.

Richard Longman, treasurer of the association, said: “This is a really great effort and the money will be shared amongst all our teams. A very big thank you for the wonderful donation and congratulations to the 17 walkers for their magnificent achievement.”

The remainder of the money is being donated to United Utilities’ charity partners WaterAid, which helps bring clean and safe water supplies to developing countries.

Published by http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk