Now he's to be Rob Runner – in the name of charity
Sports commentator and philanthropist Rob Walker is set to embark on an awe-inspiring journey from John O' Groats to Land's End and will be passing through Aviemore in June.
He will be covering a staggering distance of 1189 miles, all in the name of charity.
The ambitious endeavour aims to raise funds and awareness for the urgent needs of The Brain Tumour Charity and The Jessie May Children’s Hospice at Home.
Walker, known best for his TV sports commentary and as the Official Goodwill Sports and Tourism Ambassador for Uganda, has dedicated himself to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
The monumental charity run, dubbed ‘The Absent Friends Tour’, spans the length of the United Kingdom and will test his physical endurance while capturing the hearts and support of people up and down the country.
Walker is celebrating the lives of four close friends, who passed away recently, with random acts of kindness.
On each of the 19 days of his journey, he will be giving a bottle of Prosecco to four strangers he meets along the way, to celebrate the legacy of his four lost friends.
The journey, scheduled to commence on June 5 and finish on June 23, will see Walker face the demanding terrain of the British Isles, both on foot and by bike, enduring extreme weather conditions and pushing his physical limits to raise funds for his chosen charities.
As part of his work with the Uganda Tourism Board, Rob will also be awarding one donor from his Just Giving page a once-in-a-lifetime trip for two to Uganda to trek the mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to see Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat.
His ambassadorial work for Uganda stems from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when he talked of his love for the country.
Video clips quickly went viral on social media and he soon became a national hero in the East African nation.
“My job has taken me to work and travel in more than 40 countries around the world and Uganda is the friendliest place I have ever been.” said Walker.
"I will be running and cycling in official Ugandan athletics kit to celebrate the prize of an all-expenses paid holiday to Uganda for a week for two people to go trekking with mountain gorillas, offered to one lucky donor that I will choose at random. It’s an incredible experience which I was lucky enough to do myself this year.”
His charity run has already garnered significant attention, with supporters, sponsors, and well-wishers rallying behind this extraordinary feat. Individuals and organisations are encouraged to contribute to the cause by making donations, and spreading awareness through social media.
He is set to pass through the strath from Inverness to Blair Atholl on June 8/9.
Strathy readers can follow Rob Walker's progress during the charity run or to contribute to the cause at justgiving page or follow @robwalkertv on Twitter and Instagram for regular updates and further information.
