Michael will go the distance for Josie
Jan 20 2007 By Daniel Thomson, The Journal
When Michael Craig pledged to raise money for The Journal's Josie Grove Appeal, he vowed to go that extra mile for charity - literally.
The 51-year-old plumber will walk all 168 miles along Offa's Dyke Path, which runs the entire length of the border between England and Wales, to raise as much as he can for the leukaemia fund.
The trek will be the father-of-one's 10th charity walk and he is determined to go the distance for Josie's appeal.
Michael said: "As soon as I read Josie's story and read The Journal were launching an appeal to raise money for other leukaemia sufferers, I knew I had to do something.
"The appeal seemed to be closely linked to healthy living and there are few better ways to get some exercise than walking through the countryside. But I knew it had to be an extra special walk for Josie's appeal and Offa's Dyke seemed to fit the bill."
Michael, of Edwina Gardens, Billy Mill, North Shields, is following in the fundraising footsteps of Journal columnist David Banks, who is currently taking part in a sponsored slim to raise money for the Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund. Josie, 16, of Princes Street, Corbridge, has decided to forego further leukaemia treatment, after two unsuccessful bone marrow transplants, in order to spend the time she has left with her family.
Michael added: "I've always been a keen walker and began doing long-distance walks when I was in my 40s. I've done 10 so far and have raised money for leukaemia and meningitis research and Marie Curie Cancer Care. I'm planning to do the walk in June or July when the weather is a little bit warmer. I always do the walks on my own and will probably cover about 15 to 20 miles a day.
"I want to raise as much as I can for Josie's appeal and I'm hoping to receive sponsorship from Tynemouth Rowing Club, North Shields Catholic Club and my employers."
Offa's Dyke Path is coast-to-coast and extends from Chepstow, South Wales, to Prestatyn, North Wales, taking in the Severn and Wye valleys and Clwydian Hills.
Andrew sets a sky-high target
Fuel protester Andrew Spence is hoping to do a sponsored parachute jump to raise money for the Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund - if he can find someone to take him up in the air.
He urged Journal readers to set him a series of challenges for the appeal. So far, readers have contacted us to ask Mr Spence to do a parachute jump. Mr Spence, the driving force behind petrol price rise protests since 2000, said: "Josie's courage has got everyone talking.
"I've been inspired by the pure bravery of the girl. Every time I read something about her, I get a lump in my throat."
Mr Spence, 39, farms at Low Blooms, Consett, County Durham. "I'm scared of heights. But if readers want me to jump out of an aeroplane or do a bungee jump, I'll do it," he said.
Anyone who can help Mr Spence should email The Journal newsdesk - jnl.newsdesk@ ncjmedia.co.uk or call (0191) 201-6344.
How you can support the Josie Grove appeal
The Journal is urging readers to get behind our bid to raise money for Josie's fund.
There are two ways you can do your bit to help:
Anyone wishing to sponsor our columnist David Banks in his effort to shed the pounds in aid of the Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund should fill in the form here and return it to The Journal, saying how much money you are pledging.
OR:
Let us know what fitness-related fundraising method you have come up with yourself to raise cash for The Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund.
We are urging our readers to come up with fundraising ideas - it could be a sponsored swim, a sponsored football match or even a sponsored bungee jump.
Please contact The Journal newsdesk with information of any events - solo or team - you have arranged to help boost the fund.
Sponsorship forms are available by email or post from The Journal. Anyone wishing to get involved should contact the newsdesk on (0191) 201-6344 or email jnl.newdesk@ncjmedia.co.uk
You may send cheques payable to The Dove Trust (registered charity 287401) - Josie Grove Leukaemia Fund written on the back - to The Journal, PO Box 1146, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 1ET.
