Coast to Coast charity walk in full Mining Gear

For most of us the weekend means a time to relax with family and friends, take it easy and have some fun, but not for two workers from the Boulby mine. Not the weekend just gone anyway.

Because last Friday (May 6th) saw Ben Robinson and Keith Gordon set off to walk coast to coast along Hadrian’s Wall dressed in their full mining gear – hi-vis vest, helmets, miners’ lamp and all.

It’ll take them about six days, camping out overnight, so they should be past the halfway mark by now.

It’s all in aid of raising funds to support the Great North Air Ambulance and they’ve set up a JustGiving account for members of the public who wish to support their efforts. It’s called Ben and Keiths coast to coast and every penny raised will be match funded by the company.

Andrew Fulton, ICL Boulby’s General Manager and Vice President said: “Our workforce has a terrific track record of fundraising in support of local good causes. We wish Ben and Keith the best of luck and we’re only too happy to contribute to their efforts.”

Ben Robinson was delighted with the unexpected offer: “We were hoping for some sort of donation but to match fund is fabulous. The company is also providing us with funding for a hot meal every night, which will go down a treat.”

The pair will be providing updates on their personal Facebook pages and will try and update their Twitter accounts whenever there is a strong enough signal, but below are some photographs of their walk so far!

Keith & Ben at the start of their Coast to Coast

Ben feeling a tad “conspicuous”, as the Quayside was bustling with people.

Ben and Keith ready to set off on day 3.

Day 4 and “still alive” says Keith Gordon