A GROUP of intrepid fund-raisers will walk 31 miles along the canals from Birmingham’s Gas Street Basin to Stratford to raise funds for the charity Young at Heart.
The event on Sunday is now in its sixth year after being launched by Bromsgrove young heart patient Max Ponsonby in 2012.
The first walk took place along the Tardebigge Canal, along Hanbury Wharf to the Tardebigge Canal, in Arrow Valley Park and, for three years, from Birmingham to Stratford.
Some fund-raisers cycled rather than walked the route and since its introduction, the annual event has raised more than £8,000.
The charity offers support to children with heart conditions who receive treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and their families.
Max, who was born with a serious heart defect, has undergone several life-saving operations since 1998.
He enjoys supporting fund-raising events for the charity which has given him and his family a tremendous network of support throughout that time.
Max also designed the event’s logo which depicts a heart wearing a head and wrist bands and a pair of trainers.
David Hancocks, who is an amputee, was so inspired by the work of the charity, he trained hard to take part in last year’s event and will be taking to the tow-paths again on Sunday.
Martina Ponsonby, Max’s mum and trustee of the charity, said: “He is a real inspiration and shows real determination to help Young at Heart.
“31 miles is a challenge for most people but to do this as an amputee is commendable.”
Max and Martina will be there to meet walkers at the end of their journey and congratulate them on their personal achievements.
The walk, which will start at the Gas Street Basin at 7.30am and finish at The Red Lion in Stratford-upon-Avon about 7pm, has been sponsored by the Duke of York pub and Feast in Sidemoor.
Sponsorship and donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/youngatheart by using the reference ‘W4YaH 2017’ in the donation message.
