Walk over 500 miles
A man who has raised money for multiple charities, despite suffering a brain injury, is planning to walk over 500 miles to raise money for one of DAMHA’S independent living schemes.
Over the course of five stages from October to February, specialist long distance charity hiker Nigel Price is hoping to raise at least £5,000 for Rutherford House in Easington.
His solo hike will take him from Durham Cathedral through former mining communities in County Durham and further afield to areas such as the Lake District and Manchester.
Nigel, who lives in Shildon, is being aided by friends Sharon and Barry de Courcy who will be his support team throughout the 500-plus miles of the walk, which started at the Cathedral on 23rd October.
The money he raises will go towards creating a new communal garden at Rutherford House, as well as funding extra activities for the people who live there.
Former Veteran Nigel estimates he has raised lots of money throughout his charity hiking ‘career’ spanning almost ten years, mainly for veteran charities but also community groups, most recently the Shildon Community Bus Appeal.
His latest effort is made even more impressive by the fact he is doing it despite suffering a brain injury five years.
“This actually spurred me on to do even more hikes and help even more people,” Nigel explains.
“This will be the longest hike I have done for charity and one stage will see me walking from Coniston in the Lake District to Manchester and across to the Locomotion Museum in Shildon which is a total of was 224 miles
“It will be tough but if we we can make a lasting impact on the lives of the residents of Rutherford House, then every step will be worth it.”
Paul Mullis, DAMHA Chief Executive, said: “As a not-for-profit charity, every penny we make goes back into supporting residents, whether that’s building new homes, maintaining current homes or providing a range of other services.
“To have someone like Nigel, Barry and Sharon willing to raise money for Rutherford House is amazing and we are very touched that they have chosen us for their latest charitable endeavour.
“Rutherford House is a popular scheme in the heart of Easington so being able to improve the outdoor space and offer more activities for residents through their fundraising efforts is very welcome.”
People can sponsor Nigel via https://www.gofundme.com/f/nigels-charity-hike-for-residents-rutherford-house and they can keep track of his progress on the walk via their Facebook group page – www.facebook.com/groups/639579634910160
