70-year-old Haywards Heath man’s 70 mile run for charity

Melvyn Walmsley is supporting the Lovely Foundation, which provides the children of subsistence farms in Bawku Municipal District, Ghana, with necessary school uniforms and equipment.

Melvyn said: “I was 70 in December and I’d challenged myself to run 70 cold, solo miles in January from my home on a measured 1.3 miles urban lap.

“So since September I build up my running to 18.2 miles a week for the first time in 32 years.

“I must do that four times this month to give disadvantaged children a new start in life.

“I became a Lovey Foundation trustee because in the 1920s my father passed his grammar school entrance exams but didn’t go there.

“His parents simply couldn’t afford the school uniform.

“In 2020 it cost our charity about £70 to equip a child in Bawku for school.

“With my sponsors’ help I aim to raise £70 for each of the 70 miles I run - a child’s life changed per mile.”

Melvyn, who set off on the run on New Year’s Day, has raised more than £1,500 of his £4,900 target so far.

To donate, visit http://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/70-70run