Reach Hotel staff complete 97 mile charity walk

Staff from the Reach Hotel in Manchester have completed a 97 mile charity walk to raise money for the East Manchester Canal Boat Project.

The funds will go towards purchasing a generator for the community boat, Community Spirit 2, allowing it to travel further without stopping to charge and increasing its overall mileage range. The sponsored trek began at the hotel and finished there after five days of walking through the region.

The team said the hotel’s canal-boats theme and connection to the Rochdale Canal inspired the fundraiser, which helps keep the charity’s boat trips running for local people. During the walk, staff met service users enjoying a day out on the canal boat, including a group affected by pulmonary fibrosis.

Emily, a hotel representative said the trips offer a welcome break from being at home and can be a real lifeline for those who use the service. After covering about 20 miles a day, the walkers said they were looking forward to a brew before heading back to work!

Peter Nye, General Manager of The Reach at Piccadilly Manchester, said:
"I am incredibly proud of our team taking on this challenge. Supporting smaller local charities like the East Manchester Community Boat Project is something we hold close to our hearts. Over the years, we have built a strong relationship with Nigel, Sue, and the entire EMCBP team, and this walk is our way of giving back. At the same time, it’s a celebration of the canals and waterways of Great Britain, which have been at the heart of our community for generations."

Nathaniel Farrell, Head of Food and Drink at The Reach at Piccadilly, added:
"We have missed the passing canal trade since the Bridgewater burst its banks, the Cheshire Ring has remained closed. Back in 2023, when we first opened Lock 84, we saw 10-20 boats a day come through and enjoyed offering a free drink and a helping hand through the lock. This walk will also give us a chance to assess the work that has been done and support the waterways we care so deeply about."

Nigel Anderson, President & Co-Founder at EMCBP

“My co-founder, Sue Steventon and I have been both humbled and impressed with the fabulous support we have received from the Reach over the past two years. We can only provide our 'free of charge' experience based on additional external support from organisations like the Reach Hotel. We recently had our 50,000 free passenger on board which was celebrated with the visit of Princess Anne, the Princess Royal. I wish the team well with their latest endeavour and look forward to greeting them at the end of this momentous challenge. Thanks yet again to the staff of the Reach.