An epic trek to work
Warwickshire County Council employee Phil McGaffin took on an epic challenge this weekend to raise money for charity.
For most, the journey to work doesn’t take three days or involve a 127 mile trek along the country’s longest canal, but Leamington man Phil is not most people.
Phil started his one-man mission along the Grand Union Canal at Paddington, London on Friday (19 March) with an aim to arrive at his Warwick office for a day’s work at 9am on Monday 22 March.
His schedule saw him cover 40 miles each day with free accommodation provided by Holiday Inn in Hemel Hempstead and Milton Keynes along the way to allow him to recharge his batteries between legs. He covered the final 7 miles to Warwick on Monday morning.
Phil is walking to raise money for Sport Relief 2010, Prostate Cancer and Help for Heroes. Word of his challenge has spread and sponsorship so far is already close to the £2000 mark.
Having suffered from prostrate cancer last year the opportunity to support this charity could not be missed. Phil said: “I was diagnosed with prostate cancer this time last year, underwent surgery in April, followed by radiotherapy in September and results from my first test, a couple of weeks ago look positive.
“Throughout my diagnosis and treatment I received excellent care and support which made me want to give something back. Setting myself this challenge to raise a few quid for continued research, as well as awareness of this often hidden disease is the least I could do.
“I chose the to support the other charities as I’ll be walking on Sport Relief weekend and I’m a supporter of Help the Heroes offers which offers much needed aid to the brave young men who are wounded in Britain’s conflicts. My experiences are nothing compared to what our servicemen and women have suffered and may suffer in current and future conflicts.”
Phil’s efforts have raised £1850 in sponsorship so far but if you want to add some pennies to this pot please visit his Sport Relief webpage at http://www.mysportrelief.com/McGaffGrandUnion