Kevin Stephens
Stephens's Stumble to Stoke
Fundraising for The Peter Pan Centre
Story
Having adroitly avoided becoming personally involved in fundraising previously, last year I somehow ended up assisting Nick in raising funds for the Peter Pan Centre when he arranged his ‘Cut to the Chase’ walk via the canals from Birmingham to Cannock Chase.
Initially it was simply a matter of teasing him into circulating his petition for fundraising more widely. Thereafter the prospect of inflicting my company on him for a full day was just too delicious to let go (it was that sort of friendship you see). As such I insisted on accompanying him on the first day of his trek from Birmingham to Fazeley Junction, en route to Cannock.
As it turned out, we had a fantastic day out despite somewhat dreary weather (and a rather large foot blister I developed), and the 17 miles of walking was surprisingly enjoyable despite my complete lack of preparation – I am not entirely sure that Nick had as much fun as I did although he was very graceful about it all the same ;-)
Unfortunately, later last year we then sadly lost Nick, which is still felt very keenly by us all.
So, in memory and celebration of Nick as a good friend and colleague, and to continue his support of this most deserving cause, I have decided to walk the canal from Birmingham to Stoke (where he used to catch the train to work every day) over the course of the Bank Holiday weekend of 4 – 6 May this year. By my calculations this will be about 54 miles in total, so near enough 18 miles per day over the 3 days – almost a mile per year of my age – I have a few years spare in case I get lost along the way, ha ha!
To help me through the trip, many of Nick and my colleagues will be joining in where they can for parts of the journey, be it a few miles or for half a day along the way, whether it be to keep my spirits up or to ensure I stick to the path and not take a shortcut here or there!
After all that is said, this will be my first outing of this sort and committing myself to 50+ miles of walking in 3 days is certain to ensure at least a modicum of pain along the way, as well as afterwards!
So, if you would like to see me suffer, do please donate to this absolutely worthwhile cause (there is a very interesting video link below). If I can manage to raise at least £250, my employers will match that amount which would be really pleasing to see of course. And if you wouldn't mind adding in the Gift Aid by ticking the box as you donate, that extra 25% then will be included at no extra cost to you either.
Please watch this moving DVD to learn more about the vital services we provide to Children with Special Needs.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG_wArdJAI8