A RETIRED Evesham headmaster finished his 50 mile charity walk five minutes early and raised more than £2,000 for Citizens Advice South Worcestershire (CASW).
Peter Lee Smith laced up his walking boots for the trek across South Worcestershire which saw take in offices run by Citizens Advice in Broadway, Evesham and Pershore, Malvern and Droitwich.
The 67-year-old began his journey in Broadway last Wednesday (July 20), and took in Evesham and Pershore on his first day, before he headed to the Malvern office on day two.
Karen Edwards, Chief Operating Officer and members of her team were on hand to meet Peter at Droitwich Library to mark the completion on his challenge.
Peter was accompanied for the entire challenge by Richard Stenton, who has been friends with Peter since their time as young biology teachers in Nottingham.
Karen made presentations to both Richard and Peter and hoped their achievement would inspire others to recognise the work of Citizens Advice across the South Worcestershire community.
Their route used public footpaths to pass through many Worcestershire towns and villages along the way.
Throughout the journey they carried the CASW mascot, a blue ball bearing the organisation logo, photographing its progress.
Peter and Richard’s wives were their backup team while some current and ex-advisers from Citizens Advice, including a 91 year old, kept the pair company over sections of the walk.
“My sister even brought her family to join us for a picnic lunch as we passed through Worcester on Friday,” Peter said.
“We received nothing but kindness and enthusiasm for the work of Citizens Advice from everybody. “Many people are unaware that Citizens Advice is a charity that relies on the financial support of its local community to continue helping citizens with life’s challenges and problems,” he added.
As well as raising vital funds for the cause, Peter also wanted to raise awareness of Citizens Advice South Worcestershire and talked about the service with Coun Frances Smith, chairman of Wychavon District Council when she met him at the Pershore office.
Peter smashed his initial £1,000 target before he set off and hopes the £2,000 total will continue to increase.
“I’ve had donations from the United States and Australia and it would be marvellous for CASW if we could reach £2,500, because every pound increases the number of members of the public the splendid CASW advisors, most of whom are volunteers, can help,” he said.
“So I hope people reading this will visit my page on JustGiving”
Visit www.JustGiving.com and follow the link to ‘Peter Lee-Smith’s CASW link walk’ for more information.
