Beer lovers from across the Tees Valley raised their glasses — and thousands of pounds — for the Great North Air Ambulance Service during the annual pALEgrimage, which this year celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Presenting a cheque from a previous event to the Great North Air Ambulance team
Breweries and pubs from across the region once again stepped up, donating casks and kegs for the fundraising effort. Teams of pALEgrims then set out to collect them, returning the barrels to The Golden Smog, Stockton-on-Tees, by foot or bike. In previous years, some have even taken to the water to complete their journey.
All donated ale was served at a mini‑festival at The Chapel in Middlesbrough on Bank Holiday Sunday.
One of the teams, led by Dave Mockler of Hartburn, began their challenge at Wensleydale Brewery, in Leyburn, before heading to Bayonet Brewing, in Northallerton, to collect a second keg. Over three days, the group took turns pushing the barrels on a trolley all the way to The Golden Smog and then on to The Chapel, racking up more than 50 miles.
Collecting beer from Wensleydale Brewery
“It’s become a really important part of my year,” said Dave, who has taking part since 2017. “Knowing that one of the Smog’s regulars had his life saved by the Great North Air Ambulance in 2016, enabling him to take part in the event in 2017, makes the cause particularly close to home. You know that the money you raise could genuinely help save someone’s life, and that makes every mile worthwhile.”
Every penny raised and all the proceeds from the donated beer goes directly to the Great North Air Ambulance Service. Since its launch in 2016, the pALEgrimage has raised more than £122,000, helping fund the vital work of GNAAS across the North East, North Yorkshire, and Cumbria.
