Best foot forward for Peter’s Pennine walking challenge

THE husband of a vicar will take things in his stride as he walks 270 miles to raise money for a church organ fund.

Peter Hall is married to Reverend Canon Elaine Chegwin-Hall who heads the congregation at St George’s Church in Heaviley and St Gabriel’s in Adswood.

The 55-year-old will embark upon the Pennine Way Challenge on Sunday (May 10), which involves covering 270 miles from Edale, Derbyshire, to the Scottish town of Kirk Yetholm.

He is hoping to raise £10,000 for St George’s Organ Restoration Fund and so far just over £3,000 has been pledged.

It is the second time Peter will have undertaken the challenge – he raised £5,000 in 2004 for a church in Warrington.

He and Elaine will cover the cost of food and lodgings for the trip so all money donated will go towards the fund.

Parishioners will gather to see him off following the 8am service at St George’s on Sunday.

Peter said: “My knees are not in the same shape that they used to be, but I still think I can complete the journey, despite its demands.”

Anyone wishing to donate can visit https:// mydonate.bt.com/ fundraisers/peterhall2.

Peter is also keeping people up to date on his preparations with an online blog, which can be seen at http:// penninepete.tumblr. com/.

The keen walker has been getting out and about into the Peak District countryside as training for his marathon charity walk.

It will be updated as he makes his way along the Pennine Way so those who have sponsored him can check how he is progressing.

It is one of an ongoing series of fundraisers for the church organ over the past few years, which include concerts, craft fairs and festivals.