Diggle Fundraiser Thanks Standedge Supporters
A boat enters the tunnel at the Diggle end during the anniversary celebrations.
A Diggle man who helped to leg a canal boat through the Standedge tunnel at the weekend has thanked those who have helped him raise several hundred pounds for charity.
Nigel Shaw was taking part in three days of celebrations, marking 200 years since the tunnel officially opened.
He joined fellow intrepid crew members to use the traditional technique of legging to move a boat the distance from Diggle to Marsden.
And Nigel’s well and truly smashed his target of raising £100 for charity Brain Tumour UK.
He said in an e-mail that it was an “awesome” experience.
Nigel wrote: “Our cargo was a film crew, and they lit up the tunnel occasionally, but otherwise it was pretty dark. And cold. And wet. I wasn’t aware that in addition to leggers, in 1811 there were polers too, who push the boat through using poles. This was actually harder than the legging!”
He added: “We took two hours 54 minutes to cover the 3.25 miles and emerged tired, dirty and wet to a cheering crowd. It was a great experience and one I would recommend you to try if you ever get the chance to have a go.”
Nigel was inspired to raise money for the charity after losing a close relative to a brain tumour. You can donate to his appeal, and see how well he’s done so far, by visiting his JustGiving page here.
You can read more Saddleworth News article about the anniversary of the tunnel by clicking here.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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