Our great friends at Alfa Travel are undertaking an arduous sponsored walk to help us reduce loneliness for older people.

The Chorley-based travel company, which has already raised more than £40,000 for us this year, has designed a 25-mile course which starts from its headquarters in Euxton and ends at the Queen’s Hotel, just a short distance from Blackpool’s iconic tower.

Employees can go the full distance or opt for five, 10 or 15 miles. So far, 16 staff have signed up for the September 28 event, with three-quarters planning to complete the full route, which should take just over nine hours.

Alfa executive, Steph Clayton, said: “It’s quite a long way but we’re all looking forward to it as it’s for such a good cause. Fortunately, there are a few stops along the way where people can refuel and refresh.”

The route planners have considerately plotted useful resting points including the Greedy Goose Café at Bamber Bridge, The Ribble Pilot pub in Ashton-on-Ribble, the Bell & Bottle at Kirkham and The Eagle in Weeton.

As part of its drive to raise money for Re-engage, Alfa Travel, which specialises in UK breaks for those aged 65+, organises fun activities one day a week at each of its 24 hotels. Two members of Alfa staff, Daniel, 34 and Jess, 29, have also become Re-engage call companions, making regular phone contact with an older person living with loneliness.

Ali Winter, senior corporate partnerships manager at Re-engage, said: “Alfa staff really are going the extra mile for us. Their enthusiasm and dedication to helping older people really is inspiring. We wish all those taking part the very best and thank them for their magnificent efforts.”