Splashing the cash!

Insurer hands over £500 as £1m fundraiser John marks return of annual charity walk

John Bamford receives a cheque from Matthew Wood, of GR Plimbley, inset, ahead of the walk around Tittesworth Water.

A GRANDAD who has raised more than £1m for Christian Aid by organising sponsored walks was presented with a bumper cheque to recognise his three decades of hard work.

Retired science teacher John Bamford, of Biddulph, has been the driving forced behind the spring walks around Tittesworth Water, near Leek.

Hundreds of church-goers take part part each year – and in 2019 the annual effort hit a £1 million milestone raised for the charity.

Now the 83-year-old and the North Staffordshire Christian Aid

flying start for this year’s walk, which returns next month after a two-year, covid-enforced lay-off.

John collected £500 from staff at the town’s GR Plimbley Insurance as he prepares for the event.

The grandfather-of-three said Tittesworth is a stunning backdrop for the walks. “We are thrilled to be back again,” he added: “Like so many

two years due to the pandemic so it will be great to meet up with regular walkers and new supporters on April 2.

“Even though we couldn’t walk as a group, people still did their own thing over the past two years helping to raise a further £51,000 and to receive a cheque from GR Plimbley was lovely recognition of the effort

Mr Bamford, who received the MBE for his charity efforts in 2006, combines organising the walks – which take place with the permission of landowner Severn Trent – with his joy of teaching.

He still passes on his knowledge of science subjects including maths, biology and physics to youngsters as a private tutor. In awarding him his MBE for his charity works, the Queen’s advice to John was to ‘keep it up’ – and he has certainly done that in style.

He said the insurance company had made many donations to Christian Aid but, added: “This was special and very touching.”

Matthew Wood, manager of GR Plimbley’s Biddulph branch, said: “We are in awe of Mr Bamford’s commitment to raising money and inspiring so many people to put their best foot forward each year. He’s a real credit to Biddulph.

“We have made several smaller donations over the years but decided to bump it up to give everyone involved a head start.”