Product developer's charity challenge across Shropshire countryside
You'd usually find James Benting hard at work designing innovative manhole covers – but the 27-year-old has set himself a new challenge which is altogether more physical.
The award-winning product developer is preparing for a 30 hour trek covering 60 miles of the Shropshire countryside to raise money for Birmingham Children's Hospital.
James, who works for Telford-based Fabweld Steel Products, a leading manufacturer of access covers and drainage equipment, will be joined on his mammoth hike by friend and former Royal Engineer, Dave Hill.
The pair will be walking across the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including the Stiperstones and Long Mynd, this Saturday before finishing at the summit of the Wrekin on Sunday.
James said: “I'm very lucky to be healthy and physically strong and this isn't the first time I've tackled a challenge like this. Last year I trekked over the Himalayas but this time I wanted to do something closer to home and raise money for charity at the same time.
“I'm delighted to be doing this for Birmingham Children's Hospital which treats thousands of youngsters from Shropshire every year and I'd love people to sponsor me to help raise money for such a good cause.”
James, who lives in Shawbirch in Telford, won national recognition earlier this year when he was awarded with the Institute of Civil Engineer's QUEST Technician Scholarship. His work was instrumental in developing a new manhole cover with a unique key allowing just one person to lift and open it.
“I suppose if I was really tough, I'd be doing this challenge carrying one of our manhole covers – maybe next time!” he added.
The charity trek is being supported by retailer Cotswold Outdoor which is promoting the event via its store and social media networks.
Rory Hunter, of the Shewsbury store, said: “This is a great challenge which will not only raise awareness of an area of outstanding natural beauty on our doorstep, but raise money for an exceptionally good cause. Cotswold Outdoor supports the local community whenever we can, and we're delighted to be backing James in his challenge and wish him all the best.”
Anyone who would like to sponsor James can visit his Just Giving page at http://www.justgiving.com/James-Benting
