Two friends are putting their best feet forward for a 102-mile ‘mega walk’ around Derbyshire to raise money for a much-loved charity that has provided “a lot of memories”.
Stuart Boon, 44, is taking on the lengthy walk around the county in July with best mate Xavier Andrews to raise more vital funds for the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.
The Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre charity has been providing free stays at its Skegness centre for youngsters who may not otherwise get a break since 1891.
Now Stuart is taking on the walk with Xavier so that more children can experience the joys of a free week by the sea just as he did in the 1990s.
“I used to go to the home and it’s brought me a lot of memories,” said Stuart. “I used to go horse riding and enjoyed the arts and crafts,” he added.
“It’s important for the children because they haven’t had a holiday whatsoever and it’s good for for them to have that week away.”
Stuart and Xavier have previously raised nearly £2,000 for the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre by walking from Blackpool to Derby.
Their latest challenge has been dubbed the ‘Who Knew’ walk and it involves the pair visiting different places in Derbyshire where the charity is working with disadvantaged children by providing them with the opportunity for a break.
The pair started out on their walk in Glossop on July 7 with their first stop in Buxton.
Over the course of five days, they are taking in Bakewell, Chesterfield, Alfreton, Belper, Derby, Kilburn, Heanor, Ilkeston, Spondon and Swadlincote – all areas where the charity is providing its valuable service.
The total distance – 102 miles – matches the number of miles between Derby and Skegness, which Stuart has in the past also completed both on foot and by bike, in order to raise money for the charity.
Charity trustee Simon Evans, who has been working with Stuart and Xavier on their walk, said: “I think it’s great that Stuart and Xavier are prepared to take on this walk together to raise funds and awareness for what we are doing at the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.
“People may not be aware that we are not just helping children from Derby but we support youngsters from all over the county of Derbyshire, working with schools to send children on holidays who will really benefit from a break.
“Children who enjoy a week with us in Skegness are facing a range of challenges in their lives. They may come from families facing financial difficulties or they may be going through other tough situations like caring for relatives or experiencing recent bereavement.
“The week in Skegness is not just about having a holiday. It’s about being allowed to be a child for a week, relaxing by the sea and being given home-cooked food and a chance to see and experience different things.
“We are very grateful to Stuart and Xavier and all those who raise money for us so we can carry on providing these wonderful experiences.”
Stuart and Xavier are being supported on their walk with free accommodation provided by keen sponsors, and are being waved off along the way by supporters including The Mayor of High Peak, Cllr Barbara Hastings-Asatourian.
You can support Stuart and Xavier’s walk here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/stuart-boon
