Organised annually by our friends and supporters in the Rotary Club of Darwen, the Darwen Tower Trudge takes in a delightful route around the reservoirs and hills of Tockholes, Roddlesworth and Darwen, including the moorland heights of Lyons Den, Darwen Moor, Lords Hall and of course Darwen Tower itself, otherwise known as the Jubilee Tower.

This is a major event for the Rotarians of Darwen, who provide all the organisation, route maps, marshals and ’sweep team’.

A great many local organisations and individuals traditionally take part in this event gaining sponsorship for their efforts, with considerable sums of money being raised for local, regional and national charities.

The start time of 09.00hrs was met this year with a forecast of heavy rain and strong winds.

The total number of walkers taking part this year was very low compared to all previous years, with the poor weather forecast undoubtedly playing a part in this.

Our team’s role, as in previous years was to provide on scene standby rescue cover, and to this end twenty one team members in all four of our Team Land Rover Defender Mountain Rescue Ambulances, and our Ford Transit Minibus / Ambulance, kept watch over the sponsored walkers progress.

In addition two further team members were available to assist with our Incident Control Vehicle, if required, whilst undertaking some administrative work at our Ladybridge Hall Base / HQ.

All walkers taking part in this years event, had completed the route by 12.34hrs, with thankfully no requirements on our services being required – and the day turning out much kinder than the forecast had suggested.

Hopefully this year’s event has once again raised a considerable sum of money for local charities.