PHIL Packer, who lost the use of both legs while serving in the Armed Forces, is urging people to take part in a walking challenge for learning disability charity Mencap.
The first ‘Walk with me’ event takes place at Longford Park Athletic Track in Chorlton, Manchester on Saturday (July 3) and Lord Mayor, Councillor Mark Hackett, will be starting the walk.
The sponsored walk allows walkers to choose the distance they take on – it could be 100 metres or 5km.
Everyone can take part, whether walking, running or using a wheelchair.
Phil, who devoted a mile of his 26 hour-long Virgin London Marathon this year to Mencap, said: “Mencap’s Walk with me is a great idea to enthuse people to support each other and walk together – particularly as people with a learning disability don’t always have opportunities to be active.
“This is a chance for everyone to take on a fun challenge where they can meet others within their community. I would encourage everyone to join in with Walk with me”.
Emily Rawlins, 18, who has a learning disability and volunteers for Mencap, took part in a pilot Walk with me in Eccles last October.
She said: “I really enjoyed taking part – my sister came with me and we met lots of new people who were also walking to raise money for Mencap. I did 11 laps of the track!
“Me and my sister are both very sporty and do lots of activities with Mencap Sport, which we really enjoy. Everyone should come along to Walk with me!”
Carole Headley, Mencap’s regional fundraising manager, said: “Walk with me is a great family activity where you can meet lots of others doing the same. There will be some great surprises at our community fete including chances to win lots of prizes!”
Registration is £5 for individuals or £10 for a team of four and includes a Mencap T-shirt, a fundraising pack and free entry into a prize draw.
www.mencap.org.uk/walkwithme or call 07852 189 183.
