Charity walker’s special stick stolen from outside Ralia toilets
A 71-year-old man raising money for the Samaritans is walking ‘unsupported’ from John O’Groats to Doncaster - and after his visit to Badenoch he doesn’t even have his walking stick.
It’s been stolen from outside the toilets at Ralia.
Lauren Bruner posted today: “This is a long shot, but could anyone traveling who stops at Ralia Cafe keep an eye out for a large wooden walking stick (as pictured) that my stepfather has had stolen from outside the toilets?”
Lauren told the Strathy that Chris Thornton will be missing his special stick.
“He has become quite sentimentally attached to it. If someone saw it and thought it was just a stick and then discarded it it might still be in the area.
“It's got a blue wrist strap and a smooth rounded top and rubber stopper on the bottom.”
Oh his justgiving page Mr Thornton explains: “I'm taking up a personal challenge that I've wanted to do for a long time, walking from Scotland to England, starting at John O'Groats and finishing at Darlington & District Samaritan Branch. A distance of 440 miles.”
He started out on May 1 and is not taking the most direct route because he’s intending on visiting a few Samaritan Branches on the way.
“Their vision is that fewer people die by suicide. The mission is to make sure there's someone there for anyone who needs someone, to give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others.
“Samaritans also campaign to make suicide prevention a national and local priority. They make changes that save lives.
“If you can give something to this fundraising adventure it would be greatly appreciated.”
For starters - he would like his stick back.
Newtonmore man John Begg posted: “Hi Lauren, I spoke to your stepdad earlier today in Newtonmore. If his stick doesn't turn up I have very old but very serviceable one I would be pleased to let him he have.”
