Hi,

I'm approaching the age where some people don't want to get active.

However, because it's unlikely I will be taking part in any events at the Olympic games, I will be walking the Fairtrade Way in April 2012.

http://www.fairtradeway.org.uk

The walk, from Garstang in Lancashire (the world's first Fairtrade town) to Keswick is 88 miles long and I hope to complete it in 6 days.

I work for Traidcraft and know how important it is to help those less fortunate than ourselves in developing countries across the globe.

Buying Fairtrade products is one way to help, but donating to Traidcraft's charity, Traidcraft Exchange, is another great way to help your fellow man.

I'll be updating this page as we get closer to the start date on Sunday 29 April 2012 and adding photographs during the walk. I plan to finish the walk on my 64th birthday, which reminds me of that Beatles song: When I'm Sixty Four. "When I get older, losing my hair.." (Oops! Already done that)

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As my walk is still a few months away, you don't need to donate yet. But I will remind you nearer the time.

Through the generosity of many people, I have now passed my initial target of £1000 and progressed beyond £2000. I will have to set myself a new target, so please do continue to donate to my page.

The training is going well. I've walked over 75 miles since I began training on 9 January, so I'm pretty confident that my middle-aged knees will stand up to the challenge.

Since I wrote that last paragraph, I've been having some trouble with my right knee - ostio-arthritis I've been told. Both the doc and the physio have told me - proceed with caution.

So I'll be there on the 29th to start the walk. Let's hope the sun shines too.

Update May 2012:

Well, I didn't complete the Fairtrade Way, but I did manage to walk 4 of the 6 days. Swollen feet prevented me from walking on the last two days.

You can read my diary at http://www.traidcraft.co.uk/news_and_events/Traidcraft_blog/Walking+the+Fairtrade+Way+Brian+diary

 

Update 23 May:

The total sponsorship paid or pledged has reached the £3000 mark. I'm so grateful to everyone who has contributed to this worthy cause - Traidcraft Exchange.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Brian

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.