Supporting Martyn’s 214 Wainwrights Challenge

Walking all 214 Wainwrights is a serious undertaking for even the most seasoned fell walker. For Derbyshire’s Martyn Culley, it is the next chapter in a growing tradition of taking on extraordinary challenges to support lifesaving causes.

The 65‑year‑old retired postmaster from Willington, who last year walked from Land’s End to John o’Groats, cycled all the way home and paddled through Wales, will set off on his latest challenge on May 5, aiming to complete every Wainwright summit in the Lake District, with a few twists planned along the way.

Martyn is using the challenge to raise money for the UK Air Ambulance, a service he describes as “one of the most vital emergency lifelines in the country”. The funds will go directly to Air Ambulances UK, the national organisation that champions and supports the lifesaving work of the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities.

“These crews save lives every single day,” said Martyn. “They’re often the first to reach people in the hills, on remote paths or in places where traditional emergency access is difficult. Many of us love these landscapes, and when something goes wrong, the air ambulance is there in minutes. I wanted this challenge to help support the people who make that possible.”

The Wainwrights, a collection of 214 fells described by Alfred Wainwright in his famous guidebooks, cover some of the most iconic and demanding terrain in the Lake District. Martyn will be tackling them in a continuous effort, navigating long days on the fells and managing the cumulative strain of steep ascents, unpredictable weather and rugged ground.

“It’s a huge physical and mental test,” he said. “But I’ve always believed that if you’re going to take on something big, you might as well make it count for more than just yourself.”

East Midlands and Staffordshire law firm, Smith Partnership, are proud to be sponsoring Martyn in his challenge. Managing Partner, James Johnson comments:

“Martyn's dedication to taking on extraordinary challenges for such worthy causes is truly inspiring. Walking all 214 Wainwrights is a remarkable undertaking, and we are proud to be supporting him every step of the way. The air ambulance services do incredible, lifesaving work across some of our most remote and beautiful landscapes, and we are delighted that our sponsorship can play even a small part in helping Martyn raise vital funds for such a deserving cause. We wish him all the best of luck and a safe journey”

Martyn’s previous fundraising challenge captured widespread support, raising nearly £30,000 for Mountain Rescue. He says the encouragement he received last year has stayed with him.

“I was overwhelmed by people’s generosity,” he said. “The messages, the donations, the kindness from strangers, it all kept me going. I’m hoping this challenge will inspire the same kind of support, because the air ambulance charities really do rely on it.”

As with his earlier adventures, Martyn expects the journey to bring moments of difficulty, humour and unexpected kindness. “Last time I learned that people are far more generous than we often give them credit for. I’m sure this challenge will be no different.”

He will be sharing updates throughout the walk, and supporters can follow his progress and donate via his fundraising page.

And as for what comes after the final summit?

Martyn laughs. “Let me get through all 214 first. But knowing me, there’ll be something else on the horizon.”

You can follow Martyn’s journey on Facebook and Instagram or donate at www.justgiving.com/page/martyn-culley-3