Last updated at 13:02, Friday, 07 December 2012

Two former Maryport Boys’ Club members have raised money to ensure that the club’s present members can enjoy the same adventures they had.

Fundraisers Gary McMillin and Robert McAvoy with Bryan Thompson at the club

Gary McMullin, 40, of Wood Street and Robert McAvoy, 35 of Kirkby Street, were sponsored to grow moustaches. The pair have raised nearly £700 which will be used to help children who might not otherwise have been able to take part in an annual 100 mile canoe trip on the Rivers Severn, Trent and Wye.

Robert said that shared memories of the boys’ club trips had prompted their fundraising. The club has been run since 1968 by Bryan Thompson, 70, a former boys’ club member who said: “It taught me rock climbing and that changed my life. I felt I owed something back.”

The club has around 70 young people attending on a regular basis.

They enjoy outdoor adventures at Isthmus Cottage, Derwentwater, and at an Essex Boys’ Club facility at Carrock Fell, near Caldbeck.

Bryan said: “We are so grateful to people like Gary and Robert who have raised all this money.

“We also need volunteers to serve on the committee or to help out on club nights.”

First published at 12:13, Friday, 07 December 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk