Mick’s “Feet of Endurance”

 

My Story

Mike Bennett was who you would have called ‘a character.’ Not necessarily big in stature, but huge in personality and ability. He had a magnetic aura that those who came into contact with him found hard to resist.

In 1989 Mike was a founding member of one of Sheffield’s largest business success stories and one that still bears his name to this day (in MB Advertising & Marketing Ltd). Like many, Mick Allsop and Mike became close friends and colleagues.

 

Mike was diagnosed with cancer shortly before the Millennium and died in 2009.

 

Since Mike was diagnosed, Mick has led a team of willing volunteers on various assignments to raise awareness and funds for Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity, Sheffield. The hospital that gave Mike so much care in a safe and comfortable environment.

 

Admittedly, some fund raising projects have been more challenging than others; from cake bake days and ‘tuck’ shops, to climbs up the challenging peaks of Snowdon and Helvellyn, efforts have been relentless, but the financial and emotional rewards have always been huge.

 

To date Mick and his team have raised £53,765…and counting!

 

Further to a conversation with the lovely Catherine Rhone of Weston Park, Mick was shocked to find out that cancer sufferers can also lose parts of their body, with one particular heroic story (about another dedicated fund raiser who had lost his sight), truly opening ‘his eyes’ to this plight.

 

This was all the inspiration needed for Mick to launch his next challenge.

 

Starting Saturday 24th August, Mick will attempt to walk for 24 hours, non-stop, around Sheffield, ‘blind’.

 

Wearing a blindfold, Mick will simulate how someone who has lost their sight through cancer might ‘see’ Sheffield. Literally armed with his posse of supporters and helpers, Mick will have his arm tethered to various supporters who will then assist him safely and hopefully without incident around Sheffield. Walking non-stop for 24 hours, Mick hopes to cover between 35 and 40 miles.

 

Mick’s “Feet of Endurance” challenge begins at 9.30am from Weston Park Hospital, (Whitham Road, Sheffield S10 2SJ) and is aiming to finish back at Weston Park Hospital at 10am the next day. (The eagle eyed of you will point out that this is just over 24 hours, but even a hero such as Mick needs to answer to the call of nature!)

 

So please step forward and give whatever you can, even small amounts mean a big difference.

 

Finally, from all that are involved in this challenge a big ‘thank you’ for taking the time to read this and a massive ‘THANK YOU’ from all of those who will benefit from your support.

 

Mick & The Posse.

 

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