Stepping off for charity

Staggering amounts of money have been raised for local charities over the years by Blackpool Freemasons in the group’s sponsored walk, an annual event that challenges the fitness and determination of the hardier of its members. But there was no staggering amongst the 21 walkers this year.

Trainers and boots firmly laced, socks pulled up and water bottles adequately filled, they strode out on the six mile route that took them through the town, around Stanley Park, (a few pausing at its café for a refreshing brew) and back to Blackpool Masonic Hall in Adelaide Street to claim their welcome reward of hearty Lancashire hotpot and apple pie and cream, courtesy of Marguerite Smith.

The welcoming sunshine of a fair spring morning fell graciously upon the town’s streets and in the Park it’s heartening warmth seemed to infuse a cheery jauntiness into the happy ramblers. Some whistled with optimistic vim as they drew in and expelled the clear morning air. It was a perfect day for a walk.

There were those who strolled with leisurely ease, absorbing all the sights as they followed the route whilst others doggedly power-walked, challenging their every sinew and revelling in their fortitude. Some viewed it as an opportunity to accompany their best friend, their canine pal, in its exploration of every stimulating scent. All were united in their goal of raising money for the elected charities.

Each year, two or more local charities have been selected as beneficiaries of the event. This year, Blackpool Tiggers and Disability First were the deserving recipients. Blackpool Tiggers was established in 2004 and is a local charity providing sports, leisure and social activities for children and young people on the autistic spectrum. Its main activity is trampolining for children and young adults living with autism. It also provides activities and events during school holidays and offers autism training for parents and volunteers. Tiggers is a place where families can meet, have fun and socialise in a relaxed, autism-friendly environment.

Disability First was established in 1992, relaunching the already established charity organisation ‘Disability Information Support’ providing essential advice, information and support to disabled people, families and carers across Lancashire. It gives anyone living in Blackpool a single point of contact for any issues related to their disability and how they want to live their lives, offering a range of meeting rooms, access to a wide range of advice and information services, an opportunity to ‘try before you buy’ on a variety of equipment for daily living, access to specialist NHS clinics and experienced staff to help with personal needs.

Early birds on the walk with the aim of raising as much money as possible included Granville Coxhill and his canine co-walker Tessa, along with his Masonic pals Vinny Carte and Steve Smith. Hot on their heels was David Nicholson who had arranged to set off with the dynamic trio at 8:30 am but on arrival at Adelaide Street discovered that they had departed at 8:20 – do you think that they were trying to tell you something David?

Neil Higgins was another who was taken for a walk by his dog Toby, who looked very much more refreshed than Neil on their return to the Masonic hall. Steve Jelly, the new Blackpool Group Secretary, stormed off in power-walking mode to complete the course in under an hour – and still looked as if he could have repeated the exercise without breaking into a sweat.

Those adopting a much more leisurely pace included new group chairman John Turpin, who restricted his activities to logging-in the competitors and Harry Cox and his wife Carol who set an impressive pace in drinking coffee. Brain over brawn is Harry’s much more sensible ethos.

The total proceeds from the sponsored walk have yet to be determined as some of the sponsorship money has still to be collected. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the total will be in the order of £2,000, an impressive amount to raise from a leisurely stroll!