Walk honours the 72

PAIR PUSH THEMSELVES TO THE LIMIT IN SPECIAL CHARITY CHALLENGE IN HONOUR OF THE GRENFELL VICTIMS

WITH feet blistered and their bodies aching, an army veteran and friend had to find ‘drive and motivation’ as they pushed themselves to the limits during a 72-mile charity challenge in memory of the Grenfell Tower fire victims.

Adrian Myatt, 49, from Farnborough in Hampshire, teamed up with friend Jim Cowan, 58, and walked 72 miles, in under 72 hours whilst each carrying 72lbs in memory of the 72 lives lost in Grenfell in June 2017 for the Grenfell Foundation.

The duo were supported as they took on Challenge 72 by Leighton Evans, Mo Qasim, Paul Carter, and Paul Watson along the way as they walked from the Grenfell Memorial Garden, where they received a multi faith blessing and send off from local residents at 8.30am on Thursday, August 27, towards the halfway point near Weybridge, Surrey.

The team walked 25 miles in day one, before managing an incredible 31 miles on day two – leaving 16 miles to walk on the final day.

The challenge proved to be both a physical and mental challenge for the duo were brought together through their love of Chelsea FC.

Adrian said: “I can honestly say that Challenge 72 was by far the most difficult thing I have ever done – something that can be said for all the team members.

“Day one was very much a physical challenge despite the training we’d all put in. Day two was very much a mental challenge, with our bodies aching and feet blistered we had to find the drive and motivation to start again.

The team were joined at Kensington Gardens by family and friends for the last two miles of the walk towards the finish point at Grenfell Memorial Garden, where they first started, for what was to be an emotional finish for Adrian and the rest of the team.

“I had an additional surprise that three of my daughters and two grandsons arrived for the last stint as we were about to set off. As we approached the Grenfell memorial Garden, on nearby streets we had locals clapping us in with a number of them joining us for the last few hundred meters. As the tower came into sight, emotions started to get the better of us all, firstly because we’d done it, but more importantly reflecting on why we had taken on the challenge.

“With tears rolling down my face we were met with a length of green ribbon to denote the finish and a huge round

of applause and cheers from residents of the local area.”

With more than £8,000 raised already, the team are keeping their JustGiving page open.

Adrain added: “The support we received along the way and the messages that followed were truly humbling. Although our feet were blistered and bodies were in pain we remember that it’s a pain that will be short lived, unlike that of the families and friends of those who perished and the local community.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/ team/Challenge-72

Adrian Myatt from Farnborough was surprised by three of his daughters and two grandsons as he approached the end of the 72 mile walk

The team pictured at the finish of their three-day challenge for The Grenfell Foundation