Charity hike raises £5,000 for brain aneurysm support
Twenty fundraisers from have raised over £5,000 after completing a tough 10-mile hike in the Peak District in aid of a brain aneurysm support charity.
The group tackled the route to Kinder Scout – the highest point in the Peak District – on Sunday 29 June, facing difficult weather conditions including wind, rain, mist, and temperatures of up to 30 degrees.
The event supported Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support (HBA Support), an Ashby-based charity that helps individuals and families affected by brain aneurysms across the UK and raises awareness of the condition.
The group was led by brain aneurysm survivor and mountain leader Andy Motch.
Motch said: “What a day we had! I felt incredibly proud to be involved and while the aim was to raise as much money as we could, importantly this event also brought together our community, including survivors of brain aneurysms.
“The Hike for Hope event was about making a statement – that together, we can take meaningful steps toward hope, awareness, and change.
“Every blister, every step, every laugh shared on the trail has helped us do that. It was a powerful reminder of the difference this charity makes in real lives every day.”
A brain aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in a blood vessel in the brain. Around two million people in the UK are thought to have one.
While many cause no symptoms, some can rupture, leading to life-threatening bleeds in the brain. This happens to approximately 5,000 people in the UK each year – about 13 a day.
Hereditary brain aneurysms, which run in families, are responsible for around three deaths each week. Some of these cases could potentially be prevented through screening and early treatment.
The hiking team has already reached its £5,000 fundraising target but is still welcoming donations.
Rebecca Middleton from Ashby, who founded HBA Support and is also a brain aneurysm survivor, took part in the event.
She said: “I want to thank all of our Hike for Hope heroes for showing up – not just physically, but with such great energy, positivity, and commitment.
“It wasn’t an easy walk, and their determination was amazing to witness.
“We created memories that will last a lifetime and raised a great amount of money that will have a direct positive impact on our growing charity.
“Thank you too to everyone who donated, walked the miles and followed our journey.
“I’m already looking forward to our next event in 2026!”
HBA Support works to support people affected by brain aneurysms across the UK and raises awareness of hereditary risk and prevention.
