Marathon leads to row

One marathon in the family is hard enough, but this Sunday morning Andy and Lorna Fewtrell will be lining up for two different ones. At 10.30 Lorna, a long time runner, will set out for the 26miles 385 yards of Windemere Marathon whilst Andy will be sitting down at Crewe Hall’s Reflections Spa to row the 42,195m of his own marathon challenge.

Andy and Lorna will be raising money for the Up and Under Foundation who wish to set up a bursary in memory of Eric Swan, a man who was highly respected by all who had dealings with him during his life. His enthusiasm for sports, the outdoors and athletics was generously shared with all he came into contact with. The fund will provide assistance with fees for outdoor education to youngster(s) in the S Cheshire area.

Andy was introduced to mountain walking and later mountaineering through the efforts of Mr Swan, or ‘Biffa’ as he was affectionately known, whilst a pupil at Crewe Boys Grammar School. The interest in mountaineering led Andy to set up Up and Under in 1987 which carries out building and bridge works using abseiling techniques. Therefore there is symmetry in the Up and Under Group Charity seeking to help other young people experience adventurous activities.

There is a bit on needle between the couple who are both aiming to beat the others time. If you are in the Lake District at the weekend look out for the runners and give them a cheer, if not you could always pop around to Reflections and give Andy some encouragement. At the end of the run it is likely that Lorna will have sore feet, where Andy will be sore doesn’t bear mentioning.

If you wish to donate to the Eric Swan Bursary fund you can donate at Crewe Hall on the day or send a cheque made out to ‘The Up and Under Foundation’ at Coppice House, Quakers Coppice, Crewe, CW1 6FA

The charity currently receives all of its income from the Up and Under Group but would be happy to hear from anybody who would like to undertake a fund raising event in its name. Earlier in the year the Foundation donated funds to assist scouts with costs of attending camps.

The Up and Under Foundation is a charity founded in 2008 by the Up and Under Group to provide financial assistance to youngsters in the South Cheshire area to allow them to have beneficial experience which they might otherwise miss out on due to lack of funds. We are particularly interested in area involving adventure, physical activity and music performance.

Currently the funds available for awards are limited. The plan is to make awards from the interest earned on a capital sum which it is intended will continue to grow from further Up and Under donations to form a legacy fund which will be capable of making payments into the future.