FATHER and son James and Patrick McAuliffe from Walkwood are stepping out on a 177 mile trek along Offa’s Dyke to raise money for the Redditch Catholic Fellowship.
The Offa’s Dyke Path follows the earth bank King Offa had constructed in the 8th Century and is thought to have divided his Kingdom of Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now Wales.
The pair, who set off on Tuesday, June 27, aim to raise at least £1 per mile of the trek.
James, who works at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Redditch Catholic Fellowship is a small registered local charity that for more than 30 years has put on regular events for people in the surrounding area who may have any form of disability.
“Events are from social nights most months at St. Benedict’s Social Club in Redditch, through to trips to the theatre, horse races, other Fellowship’s group events, barbecues, holidays and the occasional mass during the year.”
All the activities put on by the Fellowship are either free or subsidised for all those who go along.
James will also be fulfilling a promise he made to himself a long time ago.
“I started and failed this walk over 30 years ago and intended to do it a year or so later, so this is the ‘or so later’ year, before my 50th in October.
“Patrick completes his GCSE’s on June 26, and has decided to take on the challenge to mark the end of them (he’s also worried I will get totally lost).
“As well as being a great father & son challenge, we thought it would be great if we could use the occasion to help raise some funds for the Fellowship to help it put on its events.”
Anyone who would like to sponsor them please come along to St. Benedict’s on Friday night, June 23, in Rowan Road, Batchley, between 7pm and 9pm to join in the latest social gathering or click here.
