Milton Keynes police officer Mat Waters is stepping out on an epic walk to raise funds for Milton Keynes Hospital Charity’s children’s ward fund.
Mat, whose wife Natalie is a senior sister on the ward, will be walking part of the Thames Path and is aiming to complete the 88-mile yomp in less than 48 hours.
He is hoping to raise at least £1000 to buy new toys to entertain poorly children on the ward.
Mat is no stranger to fitness challenges – he has already completed both the London and Milton Keynes marathons; a coast to coast walk along Hadrian’s Wall and a different stretch of the Thames Path from Oxford to Richmond.
His gruelling attempt at the end of August will mean that if successful, he will have followed the River Thames all the way from its source to the Thames Barrier where it meets the sea.
“I know it’s going to be tough, especially walking through the night, but I am certain I can do it. Just thinking of how happy children will be with new toys makes it worthwhile,” says Mat. “I start in Gloucester and walk all the way to Oxford. Then I get a bus to London and walk the last stretch.”
Mat will be walking the 24-mile London section dressed in stripy T-shirt like the much-loved Where’s Wally book character. His local pub, the Oakley Arms in Harrold, is supporting his efforts and the Oxford Bus Company has donated his ticket to the capital. If you would like to help Mat reach his target, visit his JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mat-waters2
Mat is dedicating his walk to the memory of paediatric research nurse Sally Conway, who sadly died in July.
