‘Box lady’ completes gruelling trek with crate strapped to her back
Charlie Houlder-Moat arriving in Watton with the crate on her back, Picture: Charlie Houlder-Mout - Credit: Archant
A 35-mile walk is pretty gruelling at the best of times, but one woman decided to tackle the Peddars Way with the added burden of carrying a heavy crate on her back.
Charlie Houlder-Moat with her walking team, Picture: Charlie Houlder-Mout - Credit: Archant
Charlie Houlder-Moat, from Watton, has completed the popular route with a ShelterBox strapped to her back.
It can be packed with supplies including a 10-person tent, children's toys and food which the charity can send anywhere in the UK or in the world to disaster relief areas.
The 33-year-old, joined by members of Watton Rotary Club, had set herself the challenge of completing the walk in 24 hours.
But after months of training for the walk the group were ahead of schedule.
Charlie Houlder-Mout with Watton town mayor and the town crier. Picture: Charlie Houlder-Mout - Credit: Archant
The RAF Marham liaison officer said: "We completed it within the 24 hours and we actually had to take more rest stops as everyone was waiting in town for us so we could have done it in 20 hours.
The route spans from Hunstanton to Watton and when Ms Houlder Moat arrived back in Watton town centre she was greeted by the mayor Pat Warwick and the town crier, who made an announcement that the group had completed the challenge.
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She added: "It was amazing to come into town with people saying 'look it's the box lady' and donating money.
"People were clapping and cheering with lots of encouragement."
Ms Houlder-Moat had hoped to raise the cost of one box, £590, but her total now stands at about £2,200 which can fund at least four boxes.
She added: "The Rotary Club had a stall set up and someone came and donated £600 to fund their own box.
"The Narborough Primary School raised £400 through their own sponsored walk and St Mary's Church in Watton raised the same."
Ms Houlder-Moat was joined throughout her training and the walk by Rotary Club member Paul Weatherill.
Mr Weatherill said: "The Rotary Club started the charity many years ago and it has grown into a very large charity, multi-national, with people working all over the world during disasters.
"There are times they have been used in flood situations in the UK too. They are an essential piece of kit and a life-saver for many people."
For more information or to donate go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charlie-houlder-moat
