The 89-year-old was forced to put his activities on hold when he was laid low by illness early in the year but happily he is now recovered and starting to scale up his efforts again.
Alan is raising funds for Rotary, Parkinson’s and Burghill Parish Church by completing the 120-step circuit of his steep, riverside garden in Hampton Park Road in Hereford.
He is aiming to complete 15 miles over a 12-month period which began in October last year and has already passed the 25,000-step mark.
Before his illness, Alan was completing two circuits a day.
And now, full of the spirit of the late Captain Sir Tom Moore, who provided the inspiration for the project, the City of Hereford Rotary Club member, who will be 90 in September, is now able to complete one, and sometimes two, circuits a day once again.
“Dad has so far climbed the equivalent of local landmarks the Blorenge, the Sugar Loaf, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons, as well as Cader Idris and Snowdon,” said Alan’s daughter Maria Blake.
“He has just finished Ben Nevis and is now moving on to the Eiger and the Matterhorn.”
The Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Kath Hey, has already dropped by to congratulate him and Alan is hoping that, with the better weather and the easing of Covid restrictions, there will be a chance for others to come along and accompany him on a circuit.
Alan’s efforts have so far raised £13,400 for his three causes. Anyone who would like to make a contribution should visit his Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/louise-blake-1?utm_id=1&utm_term=ra8b9x6j6
