Peter Harris is planning to walk more than 50 miles between Wells-next-the-Sea and Sutton Bridge over the course of five days next month – at the age of 86! Here, Peter explains all
Age is clearly no barrier for Peter Harris, who is about to embark on a 50-plus mile walk from Wells-next-the-Sea to Sutton Bridge on the border with Lincolnshire. Peter, who lives in Swaffham, says: “I’m 86 and can still do 10 miles a day over a period of a week or two.” Starting on October 6, he plans to do the walk over the course of five days. “I have decided to share donations from my fundraising walk to Home-Start Norfolk, and Swaffham Rugby Club.” Both charities are close to his heart and part of his local community in Swaffham.
Peter is becoming rather well-known for his walks. “I used to do a long-distance walk every year, doing 30 miles a day – I was a lot younger then.” He’s walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and the Pennine Way to name just two. “I’ve done most of the long-distance ones in England.”
And it’s not the first time Peter has walked in aid of Home-Start Norfolk, an independent local charity providing vital support to families with children aged 0 to 5. The team were at this summer’s Family Fun Day in Swaffham. “I told them ‘I’m doing a walk in October – would you like me to walk for you again?’”
Ruth Kettle, Fundraising and Engagement Coordinator of Home-Start, says of this latest challenge: “We are delighted that Peter has decided to take on one of his infamous walking challenges again this year and to raise funds in aid of Home-Start Norfolk and Swaffham Rugby Club! The funds raised will help us to support families across Norfolk, helping parents to give their children the best start in life.”
For the walk Peter will be accompanied by son-in-law Darren Moody, who will be coming down from Scotland especially for the challenge. “My wife worries about me because of my age – she won’t let me walk on my own.”
Peter, originally a ‘London lad’ who worked in banking, and wife Carol moved to Norfolk nearly 35 years ago. “We have no regrets – we didn’t know Norfolk and knew no-one up here but just went for it. It’s a lovely county, Norfolk, with lovely people.”
He adds: “I operate a walking group here in Swaffham. There are four of us over 80; two or three over 70 and the youngest one is in her 60s.”
The other recipient of Peter’s challenge will be Swaffham Rugby Club. “I’m a rugby boy. I went to a school where you played rugby and I played for the Old Boys, for the bank and in National Service.”
Brian Armitage from Swaffham Rugby club, says: “Peter is a long-standing and very valued Vice President of our club. He does a walk every year and we are very pleased that this year he’s chosen to support both Home-Start and Swaffham Rugby Club. He’s 86-years-old and incredibly active and we are absolutely delighted he has chosen to support us – we need every penny we can get!”
Peter adds: “I’ve always kept fit and fortunately have had no ill health, except for a bit of back ache. I’ve got miles in my legs, and I don’t want to let myself down.” He’s resting up until the walk itself, when, he adds: “I’ll be fit and well and I’ll be on the start line.”
Peter Harris is walking more than 50 miles in aid of Swaffham Rugby Club & Home-Start Norfolk. Visit JustGiving. Also, visit Home-Start Norfolk and Swaffham RUFC.
Featured images of Peter Harris supplied by Home-Start Norfolk
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