A RAMBLING Worcester vicar will travel across the toughest long-distance National Trail in the UK for a children’s charity.
The Reverend Chris Stuart will tackle the 270 mile epic walk across the Pennines on Tuesday, May 31 in aid of Acorn’s Children’s Hospice.
The 42-year-old from St John’s is aiming to cross the famous route in less than two weeks and hopes to tick the feat off his bucket list, whilst raising money for the Bath Road hospice who provide care for life limited and life threatened children.
Mr Stuart, who is responsible for three churches in the city, said: “I turned 40 a couple of years ago so I decided it was time to crack on with my bucket list.
“Last year I did the 200 mile ‘Coast-to-Coast’ trek and raised around £5,000. I really enjoyed the journey and decided to take on another trek this year.
“The Pennine Way is quite a bit longer than the Coast-to-Coast but I’m trying to do it in the same time, so I’m upping the ante to make it more challenging and to hopefully get more sponsorship.
“It’s considered the toughest long-distance National Trail in the UK, but I know the money raised will make a real difference to those in need so it’ll be worth it.
“Through my work I’ve come into contact with people who’ve received care from Acorns and know the charity does amazing things.”
Mandie Fitzgerald, community fund-raising manager at Acorns said: “Our hats go off to Chris for signing up to this trek which really will be quite the challenge.
“It’s with huge gratitude we wish him the very best of luck and I hope lots of people dig deep to help us in our work.”
Mr Stuart is also raising money for the Maggs Day Centre, which supports homeless people in the city.
Visit Mr Stuart’s fund-raising page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/christopherstuart to donate or for more information.
