Granddad Gary Baker was greeted by family and staff members after completing an epic walking challenge for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The 71-year-old, from Hemingford Grey, near Huntingdon, trekked 2,000 miles in 200 days and, in the process, raised nearly £5,500 (in addition to more than £900 in Gift Aid).
He completed his mission at midday on New Year’s Eve and among the support committee were two of his granddaughters, Freya, 11, and Gracie, six, who receive care at Milton. Daughter Natalie, the girls’ mum, benefits from respite care.
Gary walked 5,000,013 steps, on average walking more than ten miles every day. His total mileage was 2,019.46 and the average step count each day was 25,125.
He said: “It felt great to finally make it and arrive at Milton. It was lovely to see my wonderful family and the help they receive was the inspiration for my walk. The support of the hospice staff was also very much appreciated.
“In the end, my predictions in terms of the number of steps and the timing was just about right and I was fortunate with the weather on my final day, with just light rain for the last mile. My fundraising total was boosted by lots of donations in the final two days and I’d like to say a big thanks to all who helped with encouragement, technical assistance and, of course, to every single donor.”
Gary, married to Isobel, celebrated his 71st birthday last June and realised there were exactly 200 days between then and New Year’s Eve.
He said: “Natalie and I had already discussed trying to raise funds for EACH, as it’s a charity close to our hearts. I thought if I can walk ten miles each day that would be 2,000 miles and, as I knew it takes me 2,500 to walk one mile, that would make five million steps. That would surely get people’s attention and represent quite a challenge.”
There is still time to sponsor Gary. Head to his fundraising page via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/walk5million
Gary (in the purple EACH top) is pictured with oldest granddaughter Lauren, 23, granddaughter Gracie, six, son-in-law Ben, grandson Rory (squatting), nine, Lauren’s boyfriend Joe, brother George, daughter Natalie, granddaughter Freya, 12, and granddaughter Leah, 19
