RETIRED Baptist minister Chris Walton will be pounding the streets of London later this month as he takes part in the London Marathon to raise funds for the Ringsfield Hall Trust.
Dr Walton, 66, was a co-director of the Ringsfield Hall Trust EcoCentre, near Beccles, for 15 years and is currently the chairman of the trustees.
“I used to enjoy running and playing rugby in my younger days and was a sprinter rather than tackling any long distance races.
“However, I have been training for a year now and recently ran 24 miles and I am confident of completing the marathon course even if, as I expect, it will take me more than six hours to cover the 26.2 miles,” he said.
Dr Walton is raising funds for the trust as part of its 40th anniversary appeal.
“It is so important to remember that though this appeal is for some essential capital expenses such as fire safety, the new conservatory and heating which are all about bricks and mortar, it is all in order that the young residents can alive in the outdoors to learn through nature connection and feel the exhilaration and joy of the natural world.
“This is such an important part of the education of every child and young person if we are going to nurture their development toward becoming vibrant, mature adults,” he said.
Some years ago Dr Walton was diagnosed with Prostrate Cancer and was successfully treated treated through radiotherapy.
His 37-year-old son Ben is also running the marathon in aid of Prostate Cancer UK to thank everyone who supported his father through what was a difficult period.
“It would have been nice to run with Ben but I am afraid he is likely to finish the course in half the time it will take me.
“I have to be careful to run at a speed which does not leave me breathless so I have carefully worked on my own personal training regime.
“It will, however, be really nice to see Ben at the end of the course which will be a special moment for both of us,” said Dr Walton.
Last year Dr Walton took part in a 24-hour “preach-a-thon” too raise runds for the trust and is grateful for all the support received.
“The preach-a-thon raised £10,000 for the appeal which currently stands at £43,000.
“But we are in urgent need of at least another £50,000 so I hope people will support me running the London Marathon,” said Dr Walton.
To support Dr Walton visit www.justgiving.com/christopher-walton
For more information about the work of the Ringsfield Hall Trust visit www.ringsfield-hall.co.uk
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