A Newton Aycliffe cricket volunteer has walked the equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats – ahead of schedule – to raise funds for his club.
Retired civil servant Ian Palmer committed to walking 874 miles within a set time using local walking routes.
The 62-year-old had to walk between at least four and five miles a day – seven days a week – in order to achieve his feat.
But he did it in 143 days – 68 days ahead of his target.
Ian, chairman of Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club, who compete in the ECB North Yorkshire & South Durham Cricket League, was raising funds to help pay for new changing rooms at his club’s ground, as they have to find £90,000 to cover the costs.
“I’ve enjoyed the challenge and it has spurred me on to complete the miles every day, getting my fitness up and shedding a few pounds along the way,” said Ian.
“As a naturally competitive person I have kept an eye on my targets and position each day.
“I actually finished 68 days ahead of the target I set myself and in position 191 out of 3,592 starters nationally.
“I would like to thank everybody who has sponsored me along the way and I have raised in excess of £500 towards the building of new changing rooms at Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club.
“I am now looking forward to just getting steps in without having to worry about hitting targets or logging results every day.
“However, if anybody is looking at a challenge to get fit I can highly recommend https://endtoend.run – they have challenges to suit everybody and also raise money for good causes.”
Aycliffe Cricket Club have already acquired planning permission for the new changing rooms and fundraising started in 2019, with the club already raising £30,000 towards their goal.
Online donations are now closed – but anyone interested in making a private donation can call Ian on 07812 069943 or email [email protected].