A group of scouts are taking on a gruelling challenge to raise money for charity.
The scout section of the 10th Ilkeston Scout Group, which is based in Stanley Common, will be completing a pentathlon.
It is hoped that the scouts will raise thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK.
The day-long event will start with a 20km bike ride along the High Peak Trail at Middleton Top, followed by a 5km run.
The group of about 20 scouts, aged between 10 and 14, three scout leaders and one young leaser will then do an hour of fencing, a 0.5km swim at Wirksworth Swimming Pool and will finish with climbing where they will aim to reach 1000ft between them on the climbing wall at Wirksworth Leisure Centre.
They have been training hard for the event, which will take place on Saturday, May 19.
Scout Matthew Rennison, 11, said: “I’m looking forward to doing the pentathlon. It will be hard work but I think we will all be really proud of ourselves when we have completed it. Cancer affects so many people so I’m glad we are raising money for Cancer Research UK. Hopefully the money we raise will help others and as scouts that is really important to us.”
Fellow scout Finlay Collins, 13, added: “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the challenge with my friends. It will be fun but at the same time I think it will be really challenging and by the end of the day we’ll be glad to have a sit down! It’s a fantastic way for us as scouts to help others in a different way by raising money for a really good cause.”
Although this is the first time this group of scouts will be doing such a challenge, the 10th Ilkeston Scout Group have previously completed a pentathlon in 2016 and raised £4,900 for Cancer Research UK.
Scout leader Steve Bowmer said: “We have done charity events for the last few years, previously doing a triathlon and a pentathlon.
“It is a great opportunity for the scouts to take on a challenge and raise some money for a really important cause.
“We ensure that scouts of all abilities can take part in the pentathlon. We want them to take on the challenge and be proud of themselves for completing it.
“All the scout leaders will be doing the pentathlon too.”
Anyone who would like to sponsor the scouts can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/10thilkestonscoutpentathlon2

Source