Heathrow’s airside practices safety manager, Richard Reddy, is hoping to raise over £2,000 for Age Concern and Help the Aged through taking part in the charity’s Trek China 2010 event.
The charity, dedicated to improving the lives of older people, was Heathrow’s Charity of the Year in 2009 when over £100,000 was raised from passenger collections and fundraising events.
The exhilarating 10 day Trek gives participants the once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk along the Great Wall of China, as well as the opportunity to explore the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Chessington resident Richard was keen to take part in the trek having seen it advertised at the airport, and is getting into shape through long walks with his springer spaniel Boycey.
In April 1990, Richard was involved in a road traffic accident resulting in serious damage to his leg. Although never fully recovered, he has decided to take part in the Trek in tribute to a fellow patient whose positive attitude proved a great source of inspiration.
Richard explained: “I had to undergo an operation on my knee, and there was a guy in the bed next to me who had had both legs amputated. He had such strength of mind and positivity – I remember we watched the London Marathon together and I told him that one day I’d run it.
“I don’t think I’m ready to do a Marathon quite yet – but I thought that getting involved in the Age Concern and Help the Aged Trek China goes some way to upholding the promise I made.”
Miranda Harman, Event Fundraiser at Age Concern and Help the Aged added: “We’re really lucky to have Richard on our Trek China 2010 team. I’m sure his motivation for taking part will be an inspiration to everyone – he’s really going the extra mile to make a difference.”
To help Richard smash his £2,200 fundraising target, which he needs to raise by 2nd March, go to www.justgiving.com/richard-reddy. For more details on Age Concern and Help the Aged events, visit www.helptheaged.org.uk/events.
Notes to Editors
- Age Concern England and Help the Aged have joined together to form a single charity dedicated to improving the lives of older people.
- BAA Heathrow supports a range of local projects as part of its community relations programme, which bring educational, environmental and economic benefits to local people.
- BAA Heathrow’s community relations programme seeks to support environmental, educational or economic regeneration projects through a variety of methods including charitable donations, sponsorship, staff volunteering and collection of foreign currencies donated by passengers.
- For more information please contact the Heathrow press office on 020 8745 7224.
