THE MOUNTAIN MISSION

In an incredible effort to raise money for Pendleside Hospice, the pair traversed Mount Snowden (standing a whopping 528m taller than Pendle Hill). “My husband, Darren, was diagnosed with cancer last January and died on boxing day,” Susan reflected. “So, I wanted to raise money for Pendleside Hospice as I knew if any of my family got cancer, that’s where they’d be treated.”

“Jo was pleased the clouds came over as she hates heights,”

The upbeat duo had nothing but praise for their chosen charity. “Pendleside Hospice is such a positive cause,” Jo agreed. “The walk was the weekend after what would have been my 27th wedding anniversary,” says Susan, “so, for me, it was highly emotional but rewarding.” The two friends set off at half one in the morning and returned to the coach at quarter to eight. “A queue at half-four in the morning to reach the summit was a new one on me. You don’t expect it. ” Jo laughed.

Susan and Jo at the summit

I can imagine the experience was surreal as Susan described ‘spectacular views’ and ‘clouds hiding sheer drops’ conjuring the imagery of something unearthly. “Jo was pleased the clouds came over as she hates heights,” Susan joked. “It was clear for three quarters going up and three quarters going down,” local business owner (at Ocean Bathrooms) Jo continued. “Most hills, you have a gentle nudge into it, but at Snowden, the path is instantly steep, and it’s a hard slog! I was thinking, what have I done? I took the advice to not go too fast at first.” “I had my inhaler on standby!” joked Susan. There are big plans regarding mountaineering going forward for both, with Jo “asking to do Ben Nevis after being back on the coach home for five minutes!”They needed to raise a combined total of £350 (£175 each), and did they manage it? They smashed it, raising an astounding £758! If you’d like to add to the total going to Pendleside Hospice, you can donate here – https://www.justgiving.com/page/joanne-roscoe-susan-lee

Colne Life Autumn 23