Dalton fundraiser conquers Coniston to Barrow in memory of daughter

Donna Parker, from Dalton, completed her first C2B, which she signed up for in memory of her daughter who passed away less than two years ago.

Donna lost her daughter Vicky in August 2023 due to a cardiac arrest when she was just 30 years old.

Donna, her husband Steve and their youngest granddaughter, Dolly, crossing the finish line (Image: Donna Parker) She teamed up with Lesley Mease, who lost her son Wilson at the age of 25, to tackle the challenge and raise money for CRY.

One of the reasons why they chose to enter a team in this year’s events is because Wilson ran the K2B every year for Motor Neurone Disease.

A 54-strong team took part to raise money for CRY with some taking on the longer 39.5 mile K2B and others taking on the 21.1 mile C2B.

One member of the team, Ethan Doyle, ran the K2B and came in third overall.

Donna's great niece Amelia with her mum and dad, Talia and Jonathan (Image: Donna Parker) Donna completed the C2B with her granddaughter, Vicky’s eldest child, Evie.

READ MORE: Dalton fundraiser thanks community for ‘tremendous’ success

When asked how she got on with the walk Donna said: “Not too bad. I think I just put myself in a bit of a zone, put my head down and just went for it.

“I had Evie, my granddaughter with me so I had to keep it together for her, supporting her and spurring her on helped me carry on.

“I don’t think it really hit me until the end, why we were really doing it and the emotional aspect of it all.”

Evie and Julie crossing the finish line (Image: Donna Parker) “My husband Steve, and sister Julie, were a massive support to me,” she said.

“It was so hot, but it was amazing, we had two ten-year-olds in our team - one of them is my great niece, Amelia – and for them to finish, I’m just so proud, I’m proud of everybody.

“When I was walking over Kirkby Moor I did start to think ‘what on earth did I sign up for, I’m not doing this again’ but now I think if we can get some people together again to do it next year, I would.

“I think we’ve raised quite a lot of money so it will be nice to see what the final total is."

Dolly, 7, at the Dalton check point, at the CRY support table cheering the walkers through (Image: Donna Parker) “A massive thank you to all who walked, and to all the support team, Lesley did an amazing job at organising everything."

The day after taking on the gruelling route, Donna said: “We’re having a quiet day today, I think we’ll drive up to Cumbrian Cow later for some ice cream.”