Hikers prepare to climb peaks in woman's memory

Dozens of hikers are preparing to tackle Staffordshire's three highest peaks in memory of a volunteer who died of cancer.

Wendy Jones, who helped hundreds of children by volunteering at FC Hanley in Stoke-on-Trent, died in 2023.

Following her death, friends and family set up the Wendy Jones Trust as a way of carrying on her legacy by supporting struggling families in the city.

As part of a fundraising drive, about 50 people will ascend The Roaches, Oliver Hill and Cheeks Hill in Staffordshire, on Saturday.

They will set off in two groups of about 25, starting at opposing ends of the 16-mile route before meeting up in the middle.

Among those taking part will be Ms Jones's sister Sarah Charters and friend Ant Munday, who have organised the event.

Ms Charters told BBC Radio Stoke it was unlikely Ms Jones would have taken part in such a challenge.

"Wendy certainly had strength of character, strength of mind…she was a powerhouse but certainly not on the fitness front, not at all," she said.

The group set a fundraising target of £5,000 but Mr Munday said they were on track to collect about £7,000 in donations.

He said it did not take long to convince people to take part, adding: "I think we've all done the training and are prepared to go. It's going to be a hot one up there so we'll need the sunscreen on."

The trust also expects to raise £5,000 at a charity golf day that's due to take place in two weeks.

Ms Charters said the money would go a long way towards supporting families in need, with the trust receiving requests for help with things like food, clothing, birthday presents and household goods.

"We're very blessed that with initiatives like this… it helps us to keep supporting families across Stoke-on-Trent with all of those various needs," she added.

Mr Munday previously described Ms Jones as a "formidable lady" who would "get up and get things done every day".

Her volunteer work included setting up a "swap shop" for families who could not afford boots and football shirts, to ensure their children were kitted out for matches.

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