 | | Ian Woods in a waterwheel |
A Cumbrian company has undertaken a rather unusual tour of the Lake District to raise money for Red Nose Day. Inspired by Phileas Fogg, corporate events company Onesimus has set its director the challenge of getting around the Lake District in 80 different ways. Ian Woods’ intrepid journey included an amphibious vehicle, a steam train, Moon Buggy and a traction engine. Some of the more unusual ways that he made his way around the Lakes include a motorised toilet and a ‘Wonder Wheel’, which is rather like a large inflatable hamster wheel. Like the hero of Around the World in 80 Days, he also took to the air in a hot air balloon. The former Olympian also be ran over Hardknott Pass, skied over Wrynose Pass and swam across Coniston Water. Ian Woods competed in two Winter Olympics as part of the British Biathlon team in the 1990s. This year’s theme for Red Nose Day is The Big One and they don't come much bigger than this.  | | Ian Woods - pram push |
He says: "As I've only just started work at Onesimus someone thought I should do this rather adventurous initiation, to test my wits, innovation and commitment, but above all to raise money for Comic Relief. It's not the 'bet from his gentlemen's club' that Phileas Fogg accepted, but a chance to help make a difference to peoples lives in the UK and across Africa.” Some of the other ‘ways’ that Ian used to get around the Lakes included bouncing on a space hopper and a pogostick. To add to the challenge – and the fun - he also completed some of his tasks dressed as characters such as a Roman soldier, a secret agent, an Olympic athlete and a furry animal. The unusual itinerary was organised by the staff at Onesimus, who normally create challenging activities for their clients rather than their own boss. The Wonder Wheel, amphibious vehicle and the electric toilets are all part of the usual repertoire at Onesimus but the team scoured the county for other means of transport to help Ian make his way around the Lakes. Tim Berry, a director of English Lakes Hotels, which owns Onesimus, says: "Ian was obviously a success in the Biathlon where he had to do two different events. So we thought we'd see how he'd cope with 80!.” This year is the 50th anniversary of the release of Around the World in 80 Days in Britain. The film starred David Niven and won several Oscars, including the Oscar for best film. Ian Wood's journey took place over two days, starting at the Low Wood on Windermere, continuing up to Keswick, over to Cockermouth and then down the Western Lake District before staying overnight at Muncaster Castle. On the second day he travelled up the Eskdale valley, over the Hardknott and Wrynose passes, around and on Coniston Water, before returning to Windermere. To find out more about Ian Wood's journey Around the Lakes in 80 Ways, see some pictures of the ways he used to get around the Lake District and donate money to Red Nose Day. www.reallyusefulpeople.co.uk/rednose.php. | 
