Shropshire Star

Telford vicar tackles 50 mile challenge – and gets back in time for baptism

A vicar tackled one of Britain's toughest treks – and made it home in time to perform a baptism.

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Matthew LeFroy

Reverend Matthew Lefroy, who is vicar of Lilleshall and Muxton, took part in the 50-mile Long Mynd Hike alongside 600 other people walking the route over the weekend.

The challenge includes walking or running a route that includes eight of south Shropshire’s hill summits and about 8,000 feet of climbing.

Rev Lefroy had given himself a target of 18 hours, else risk missing the next day's service.

But the added pressure meant he managed the route in just 15 and a half hours.

He was joined by his wife Jo Lefroy, Lesley Trotman, Simon Hartridge, Linda Hawthorn and Chris Cain, all members of St John’s Church, taking part in the hike.

The fastest competitors managed to complete the challenge in well under nine hours, with Pete Vale from Birmingham stepping over the finishing line in eight hours and 11 minutes.

The Gill Harris Ladies trophy went to Mel Price for her time of eight hours and 52 minutes, the fifth time she has been given the award.

The Longmynd Scout Staff went to Simon Bowen of 1st Shrewsbury Scout Group for a time of nine hours and 53m, the Junior Longmynd Staff for the U20s went to John Strickland of Ightfield, Shropshire, the Eric Broome Staff for a Shropshire Scout went to Sean Caddick of Meole Brace Scout Group in a time of 19 hours and 43 minutes, with the Raven Trophy for the first female scout or guide home went to Annabel Hodges of 3rd Elworth Guide Unit, Sandbach for a time of 18 hours and six minutes.

The Novice Trophy was awarded to Huw Davies of Stone, Staffordshire for a time of eight hours and 45 minutes and The West Mercia Police Trophy for a Lady Novice went to Suzanne Kapitanec of Shrewsbury, for a time of 11 hours and 45 minutes.

The Swain Shield for those of 50 years or over went to Andy Davies of Church Stretton for a time of eight hours and 25 minutes and Peggy’s Plate for ladies of 50 or over went jointly to Jayne Hughes and Laure Pepper for their time of 15 hours and one minute.

The Over the Hill trophy for those of 60 years or over went to Quentin Shaw of Cruckton for his time of 12 hours and 44 minutes. The Mynd Trophy went to Mercia Fell Runners, Pete Vale. Andy Davies and Huw Davies, for a combined time of 25 hours and 21 minutes.