A GROUP of fundraisers proved there “wheelie” is strength in numbers after pushing each other 26 miles around the Wirral peninsula in a back-breaking challenge.

On Saturday, the group of 17 friends – all employees at Jaguar Land Rover in Halewood – tackled the Barrow for Marrow fundraiser, which saw them take turns pushing each other from Hooton Station to Seacombe Ferry.

Wirral Globe:
The Barrow for Marrow team. Picture by Geoff Davies.

They then jumped on the ferry to Liverpool before doing a lap of the Albert Dock. The entire challenge was completed while donning a variety of superhero and fancy dress costumes.

After setting off at 8am, it took the group around eight hours to complete the challenge, raising more than £700 in the process for the Anthony Nolan Trust, inspired by Liverpool schoolboy Charlie Fearns.

Nine-year-old Charlie fought leukaemia twice and had to have a bone marrow transplant to save his life in January 2013.

Andy Coles, from Bebington, was one of those behind Saturday’s challenge.

He said: “So many people stopped us along the Wirral Way to give us money, it was incredible.

“One lady even drove past us in Hoylake, went home and came back with her tin of coins and emptied it in the bucket.

“So many kids stopped us for photos with their superheroes but ‘Where’s Wally’ was the main attraction.”

Wirral Globe:
The Barrow for Marrow team. Picture by Geoff Davies.

Andy added: “It was really hard work and we got a puncture in the wheelbarrow towards the end but it was worth it to raise money and awareness for such a special charity.”

The Barrow for Marrow team have already raised thousands of pounds  through their fundraising efforts over the past 18 months, which have also seen them take on a 35-mile wheelbarrow push from the Etihad stadium to Anfield.

They have also pushed the barrow up Mount Snowdon, done the Great North Run, Wirral Half Marathon and London Marathon.

Andy said: “We do this because of Charlie. He’s well again now but we continue to raise awareness of Anthony Nolan for the people who don’t get that second chance due to a lack of donors on the register.”

One of the Barrow for Marrow team, Andrew Rogerson - also known as the Cycling Scouser - is currently cycling back completely unsupported from Shanghai to Liverpool.