My name is Pete Canning, I am attempting a 15 mile walk along the Leeds Liverpool canal from Shipley to Skipton on the 5th of September.

I am 75 years old, I have one knee replacement, and the other one is a bit dodgy. I have no fat pads under my metatarsals, which makes it feel as if I am walking on pebbles.

This is in aid of our Sapper Charity, please read below about their work.

I will be joined by 4 other members of the Wakefield branch of the REA.

The president Mick New, literally larger than life, with a personality to match, about 6’ 6” around 20st. Great guy.

Ian “combat Harris”, combat should be pronounced in a low gravelly tone. Do not really know how he obtained that moniker. Probably should not ask.

And finally Nigel (assistant chairman) and Lynne Blythe, Nigel is a bit like me. One false knee, we will hobble along together. Not one of us is under 55.

We all have our problems and am sure we will suffer along the way. But you cannot ask for money unless there is some hard work and discomfort involved.

In support we have my wife Maureen and Ian’s wife Pauline, and our hard working Secretary Pam and husband Gerard Furness, best described as Pam’s admin staff. Sorry Gez, could not resist.

I am hoping we can raise a £1000, but it is a bit short notice, I am not sure how many members are in the REA but if each one could throw £1 in the pot I think that would add up to a tidy sum.

So please support our efforts and take a minute to “THROW A POUND IN THE POT”, or a little bit more if possible.

Thanking you all in advance for any support you can give us.

I think it’s going hurt.

Please read the following:-

The REA Sapper Charity exists to support the entire Royal Engineers family. We provide welfare and financial assistance to serving Royal Engineers, veterans and their families when they face hardship or difficult circumstances. We also support bereaved families, help with housing, health and wellbeing, mobility needs, employment and education, and provide grants for children and young people. Alongside this, we fund projects that preserve the history and heritage of the Corps and help strengthen the Sapper community through events and activities. Quite simply, we're there to support serving soldiers, veterans and their families whenever they need us.