A BELLINGHAM fund-raising team are more than halfway through a mammoth effort that has seen them take on a new challenge every month.

Not content with finishing in the top three per cent of justgiving fund-raisers in the country last year, the Bellingham Belles set themselves the task of learning a range of activities every month of the year.

From lambing and learning to shoot, to fly fishing and an overnight stay at Kielder Forest, the Belles could never be accused of resting on their laurels.

Made up of Graine Rapier, Lynda Saint, Julie Cuthbert and Ruth Chard, last month saw the team kayak down the North Tyne.

Graine said: “The weather was amazing and the scenery was gorgeous. The water was lovely and calm until we hit a rock and filled the kayak with six inches of water.

“We managed to empty the water out and glided gracefully through the arches of the Tyne Bridge at the Jubilee field in Bellingham.”

The month before, they were taught to fly fish on a private lake at Ryal and all managed to catch some impressive trout.

Next month’s challenge is making a haystack and the team have found some local volunteers who are going to show them both traditional and modern methods of the skill.

Graine added: “We’re thoroughly enjoying the challenges. We have smashed our target of £1,000 and are nearing £1,400.

“My favourite has been learning to fly fish and the lambing was a popular one too.”

The women, who all work at the doctors’ surgery in Bellingham, are looking forward to their remaining challenges.

However, they are feeling the pressure for November’s task – baking a Christmas cake to the WI recipe and having it judged at the annual Christmas market.

In December, they will be doing a calendar to document their achievements.

Last year, the Bellingham Belles raised £3,200 after taking part in the 26.2 mile Moonwalk through the streets of London.

All the money raised will go towards Tynedale Hospice at Home and the Great North Air Ambulance. To donate go to www.justgiving.com/teams/bellingham-belles

bridget.mcclean@hexham-courant.co.uk