Mountainous task in memory of a friend
ALEGAL eagle is honouring the memory of his late colleague and friend by completing the arduous task of climbing 214 peaks in a year.
David Walton, 44, an employment lawyer at Gorvins, in Stockport centre, has now conquered around 200 of the ‘Wainwrights.’
They are hills and mountains in the Lake District identified by famed writer Alfred Wainwright and David is aiming to get to the top of each in aid of Cancer Research.
The dad-of-two decided to do it after workmate Steven Moyle, a commercial property lawyer, died of cancer aged 56.
David said: “Steven was a talented and diligent lawyer who worked at the desk next to me. There was never a dull moment with him.
“He was never afraid to speak his mind, and his humour and honesty would brighten up the working day.
“However, we saw another incredibly courageous side to Steven after he became ill.
“In the months before he died, when he must have been in a significant amount of pain, he continued to come to work, and displayed the same brightness and humour as ever.”
According to a register maintained by the Long Distance Walkers Association, only around 750 people have climbed all 214 peaks.
David, who lives in Altrincham, aims to complete them during 2016 and started as early as possible on January 1.
After having major surgery, Steven, from Disley, returned to work until the last few weeks of his life, where he was a mentor to junior staff.
David said: “He was an inspiration to all those who worked around him, particularly those junior staff for whom he was responsible for mentoring and teaching
“He battled his illness with great dignity and optimism.
“Having watched Steven at close quarters go through such an ordeal, I wanted to do something positive and meaningful to commemorate the passing of this remarkable character.”
Sarah Kirk, from Cancer Research UK, added: “We’d like to thank David and everyone at Gorvins Solicitors for taking on this exciting and unusual challenge.
“One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives.”
To sponsor David visit justgiving.com/wallywalksthewainwrights.