Burton Mail

Stars’ messages will go miles for walkers’ smiles

280-MILE CHARITY TREK DUE TO FINISH TODAY WITH PARTY AT PUB

- By GEORGE BUNN george.bunn@reachplc.com

A GROUP of friends walking the length of the country to raise money for a South Derbyshire charity have received emotional video messages from actor Stephen Graham and Geordie Shore star Nat Phillips.

The Miles for Smiles group is walking 280 miles from Edinburgh to Woodville to raise money for me&dee, a charity funding unforgetta­ble experience­s for children with life-limiting illnesses.

Callum Worker, Jordan Parker, Simone Baxter, Joe Elkin and Nick Sewell set off from the Scottish capital last week and are on the final leg of their trip between Buxton and Ashbourne. They are due to finish their walk at The Greyhound today, where they will be welcomed with a party full of well-wishers around 2pm.

The team are now being cheered on by Geordie Shore star Natalie Phillips and Line of Duty actor Stephen Graham.

Callum Worker, manager at Borley’s Mini Mix in Moira, has spoken about the challenge so far and the work the team has done.

He said: “I have been doing fundraisin­g like this for around six years but this is the longest challenge so far. Last year we walked from Brighton back to Derbyshire for South Derbyshire Mental Health and raised around £24,000 and we wanted to do it again. This time we let our followers on Facebook choose our challenge and they chose me&dee. It is a fantastic charity so we decided to go for that one.

“We set off from Edinburgh around a week ago. Unfortunat­ely, the blisters kicked in at around mile 20. Currently, we have some shin splints and knees strapped up in our group. “The inclines and the declines going through Scotland and in the Yorkshire moors were insane.

“It was basically a vertical up and down. There was an impact on the kneecaps. It has felt like 500-600 miles. It has been horrendous and hard. We have varied between doing 25 and 32 miles each day.

“The views have been unbelievab­le but when you have seen one hill you have seen them all. It has been like a scene out of Heartbeat.

“Everyone is getting on alright, but to read all these messages of support is what is keeping us going. It has been the hardest challenge of my life but the finish line is in sight.

“The warm bath and hot food we get at night also motivates us but it has been a massive team effort and I really want to thank every single person that has cheered us along the way or supported us online.”

Founder of me & dee Maria Hanson has thanked the group for their fund-raising efforts.

She said: “We support families who fact short and uncertain futures. Callum did it three years ago and chose us at the recipient.

“We went up to Edinburgh to see the team off and we will be at the Greyhound to welcome them home.

“I have been incredibly blown away by their work. It honestly leaves me in tears to see the work they are doing.

“I think there will be a lot of tears on Saturday. The difference the team’s fund-raising will make is incredible. I want to tell the team to keep gong and there are a lot of people watching them.

“There isn’t a lot of thanks big enough for the team. This is the most unselfish and caring and giving group ever. I think they’re coming in at around 2-3 pm on Saturday and I want as many people to come to the Greyhound as possible.”

To donate to their fund-raiser, go to www.justgiving.com and search for Callum Worker.

The inclines and the declines going through Scotland and in the Yorkshire moors were insane.

Callum Worker

 ?? LOUISEMILL­SPHOTOGRAP­HY ?? Miles of Smiles are Callum Worker, Jordan Parker, Simone Baxter, Joe Elkin and Nick Sewell
Actor Stephen Graham has sent a video message of support to the Miles of Smiles team
LOUISEMILL­SPHOTOGRAP­HY Miles of Smiles are Callum Worker, Jordan Parker, Simone Baxter, Joe Elkin and Nick Sewell Actor Stephen Graham has sent a video message of support to the Miles of Smiles team
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