A CHALLENGE of 40 miles on foot in under eight hours awaits one hardy Stratfordian.
Gary Stokes is taking on the Coventry Way Challenge circular route from Meriden on Sunday April 3 to raise money for Heart of England Mencap.
The Warwick-based National Grid employee and his colleagues helped put on a Christmas party for adults with learning disabilities supported by Mencap’s Pathway activity service and he was inspired to continue helping them.
The 43-year-old from Long Compton will be aiming to raise £1,500 for radio equipment.
Gary said: “I have taken part before – but walking much of the way so my real aim this time is to run most of it, at least two-thirds of the distance, and to finish in under eight hours which will certainly be a challenge.
“I met such a lovely bunch of people when I volunteered with Heart of England Mencap.
“I was doing something very small, but it made a really big difference to the quality of people’s lives – and that was incredibly rewarding.
“I know first-hand how much this radio equipment would mean – and to fund raise knowing exactly where the money will be going is a massive motivator.”
National Grid have pledged to match anything he raises up to £400.
Visit www.justgiving.com/garystokesACW2016 to sponsor Gary.
