WHAT began as daily exercise during lockdown has transformed into an effort to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.
Peter Dixon, who runs the Funny Way To Be comedy club, embraced the great outdoors when the Covid-19 alert put paid to the shows he had planned for the summer and autumn.
And while lockdown has eased, Mr Dixon is continuing to step out and has signed up for the Walk All Over Cancer challenge.
Organised by Cancer Research UK, supporters are asked to complete at least 10,000 steps every day during September.
“During the lockdown, I took the Government’s message about getting out for an hour’s exercise to heart,” said Mr Dixon.
“As things changed, I was finding it harder to keep motivated, so part of doing the challenge is to raise money, but it is also the incentive to keep getting out every day.
“Recently, I have been doing 10,000 to 15,000 steps on some days but then nothing on another.”
Mr Dixon said he is feeling the benefits of his lockdown walking regime, having lost two stones in weight.
A resident of Lartington, he has also been discovering some of the delights on his doorstep.
“I really enjoy the six mile walk around Blackton and Hury reservoirs,” he said.
“And despite living next to Cotherstone moor for 30 years, I had never been on it until now.
“Since lockdown has eased I have also started walking into town and over to places such as Egglestone Abbey.”
He reckons that by the end of September, he will have walked about 140 miles as part of the challenge.
He had set himself an initial target of raising £100 – but that was met before he even started the challenge.
Anyone wishing to donate, can find details at www.facebook.com/donate/2734874376834309.
Mr Dixon is not the only member of his family currently raising money for cancer charities.
Now that the leisure centre has reopened, his daughter Erica, 20, has signed up to swim 200 lengths in aid of Cancer Research and Marie Curie.
“She had signed up for it back in March, just as the lockdown was introduced, so it was put back. She now has until October to do it,” said Mr Dixon.
