My name is Frank Worthington, and 3 years ago I suffered a heart attack and cardiac arrest - I did well to make it this far I guess! I had to have a triple heart bypass, and trust me that stings a bit.

 I was pretty poorly for a few months after all the excitement had died down, and that's when the Fire Fighters Charity, and the Fire Fighting community really came through for me and my family. 

Work colleagues ensured that I and my family had lots of support through what was a very stressful time for us all. I was fortunate enough to be sent up to the Rehab Centre in Penrith to speed up my recovery. This is one of three similar centres that are all entirely funded by the Fire Fighters Charity here in the UK. The facilities and staff up there were absolutely brilliant, and I had the opportunity to meet lots of patients there who were far worse off than me. All had very different back-stories - some were serving firefighters, some were retired fighters, some were dependants and some, like me, were support staff who try to do our bit to keep the Fire Services delivering the great service that they do. The common factor for all the people I met up in Penrith was the unanimous praise that they had for the work that these centres do. 

I always vowed that I would try and do something to help fund these hugely important facilities, and help them to carry on in the work that they do. 

Now, as those of you who know me will confirm; I'm not a hugely talented individual, so that got me thinking; what could I do to help?

Jumping out of serviceable aircraft just isn't my thing, and wing-walking? Forget it! After a review of my skill-set, I decided that the thing I could do - is walk. ( I do it most days).

So, now that I am fully recovered from the cardiac/triple heart bypass incident, I have decided to go on a fund-raising trek next May.

I will be walking 500 miles,  starting in France, popping over the Pyrenees, turning right and heading for the western coast of Spain. (I'm really not built for this, so trust me this is a serious challenge.)  

I have set a target of raising £1000, which at a measly £2 per mile  seems pretty good value.  

So, all you have to do is buy one less coffee one week, and sponsor me for a mile instead. (Not buying fish and chips for two buys you the chance to make me walk over 5 miles in the pouring rain).

C'mon . . . .throw in whatever money you can, and next May you can relax knowing that you helped me in my quest to get personal-best sized blisters!

More importantly, you will know that you have done your bit in helping the Fire Fighters Charity

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