In the December edition of At Home with Karbon, you may have spotted a lovely story about Don Elsom of Annfield Plain, County Durham.
Don turned 95 in March and decided to celebrate a little differently this time around.
"I set myself a challenge to raise money and awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity that’s close
to my heart.
"My aim was to complete 95 circuits of the sports field of my local school, Catchgate Primary, in time for my 95th birthday. I started my mission in September, took a little break over winter before starting again - in time to end the day I turn 95.
"I was inspired by the fundraising of Captain Sir Tom Moore during the pandemic. I wanted to do something similar to make a difference and my granddaughter, Jade helped me to come up with this idea. We called it Walk 95 – 95 circuits by age 95.
"Catchgate Primary has been lovely and were keen to help by giving me permission to use the school field. They even suggested some children join me on my walks during their outdoor activities and their company makes it really enjoyable.
"Is the challenge difficult? Well, my legs have carried me a long time now that I’m 95 so they do ache! But I get to school 10 minutes early so I can have a little rest before I start, and I do two laps each day.
"I’ve been retired for a long time now after working in the RAF, as a butcher and as a school caretaker. So, it’s a bit of a shock to the system to have a daily commitment Monday to Friday! But I’ve seen the amazing work of Macmillan and that’s what makes it worthwhile.
"I survived bowel cancer myself and they were always at the end of the phone to help. Other relatives have been looked after so well too. It’s the least I can do."
Don's target was to raise £1000 but he surpassed that and managed to raise an incredible £4,433 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
We wanted to say a huge congratulations for this amazing achievement - well done, Don!
In the December edition of At Home with Karbon, you may have spotted a lovely story about Don Elsom of Annfield Plain, County Durham.
Don turned 95 in March and decided to celebrate a little differently this time around.
"I set myself a challenge to raise money and awareness for Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity that’s close
to my heart.
"My aim was to complete 95 circuits of the sports field of my local school, Catchgate Primary, in time for my 95th birthday. I started my mission in September, took a little break over winter before starting again - in time to end the day I turn 95.
"I was inspired by the fundraising of Captain Sir Tom Moore during the pandemic. I wanted to do something similar to make a difference and my granddaughter, Jade helped me to come up with this idea. We called it Walk 95 – 95 circuits by age 95.
"Catchgate Primary has been lovely and were keen to help by giving me permission to use the school field. They even suggested some children join me on my walks during their outdoor activities and their company makes it really enjoyable.
"Is the challenge difficult? Well, my legs have carried me a long time now that I’m 95 so they do ache! But I get to school 10 minutes early so I can have a little rest before I start, and I do two laps each day.
"I’ve been retired for a long time now after working in the RAF, as a butcher and as a school caretaker. So, it’s a bit of a shock to the system to have a daily commitment Monday to Friday! But I’ve seen the amazing work of Macmillan and that’s what makes it worthwhile.
"I survived bowel cancer myself and they were always at the end of the phone to help. Other relatives have been looked after so well too. It’s the least I can do."
Don's target was to raise £1000 but he surpassed that and managed to raise an incredible £4,433 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
We wanted to say a huge congratulations for this amazing achievement - well done, Don!
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