You will have heard of the amazing 7,000 mile coastal walk that is being carried out by Brian Burnie for his Daft as a Brush charity.
However, you might not be aware that, during the journey, SI Sunderland member, Cheryl Finlay has been with him on his walk every step of the way. On Saturday, 19 September, Cheryl and Brian accompanied by SI Sunderland members past and present walked back into her home town of Sunderland from Seaham seafront to Sunderland Glass Centre. Welcomed by The Mayoress of Seaham Linda Willis, the socially distanced walkers were joined by past member Tania le Marinel and current members President Rosemary Jenkinson, Joan Downs, Pat Suckley, Vi Stoker, Pat Howe, Anne Brown and of course Cheryl.
Cheryl has been part of this remarkable fundraiser from the outset. Since 2018, she has attended meetings to source Bluebell, the bus they have used as their home for 2 years, designing the interior to make it comfortable and practical; she has been involved in numerous planning meetings; carrying out test walks to make sure of safety all over the UK; taking photos and video footage and joining Brian on many media interviews, and of course visiting all of the cancer centres along the way.
Cheryl was President of SI Sunderland in 2016-17. During President Kathleen Tuddenham’s year our members raised £840 for the charity. The cheque was proudly presented by President Kath to Brian and Cheryl when they attended our Business Meeting on 26th February 2020.
Cheryl and Brian actually got married during the walk, on the Isle of Skye.
The walk will end where it started, at the Millennium Bridge, Gateshead, today the 23rd September. Congratulations to Brian, Cheryl and everyone who took part in the walk raising awareness and fund raising.