Macclesfield MP David Rutley and Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans are used to climbing through the political ranks, but they enjoyed a mountaineering experience with a difference on a visit to Helsby on Friday 14th August.
The MPs were shown the ropes in a climbing and abseiling session organised by the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) to celebrate the health benefits and joys of climbing.
The MPs climbed alongside BMC president Rehan Siddiqui, who lives locally, and BMC training officer Jon Garside. The BMC represents a growing membership of over 80,000 keen climbers, mountaineers and hill walkers.
Helsby is Cheshire’s most important climbing cliff, lying within the National Trust Estate. While many motorway drivers speed straight past the two-tiered red sandstone crag overlooking the Mersey estuary, it offers around 200 different climbing routes for those who climb there and is also home to rare birds such as the Peregrine which climbers help to protect.
David Rutley MP, co-chair of the Mountaineering All Party Parliamentary Group said: “It’s good to see interest in outdoor recreation increasing and the membership of the British Mountaineering Council growing; I think this is a sign that more people are getting outdoors and discovering the adventurous possibilities of our wonderful countryside. Outdoor activities are a positive way to tackle the challenge of physical inactivity and it is great to see more Parliamentary champions, like Graham, promoting them.”
Graham Evans MP said: “I love climbing; its great fun and a fantastic way for the whole family – young and old – to get involved in exercise together, though nothing can quite match the views when you get to the top!”
BMC president Rehan Siddiqui said: “I was thrilled to share the joys of climbing with David and Graham. Climbing is a fantastic family activity and is rapidly growing in popularity with young people.
“We’re calling for politicians to be genuine advocates for outdoor recreation – helping to champion the health benefits and to protect our countryside and green spaces. It’s great to see this in action.”
In the English countryside alone, climbers and walkers spend over £6 billion a year and support 245,000 full-time jobs. Better access to green space could save the NHS billions, while a growing body of evidence supports the view that outdoor recreation is integral to the well-being of society.