Horsham bus driver to walk 85 miles for bereaved children

Garry Asling, who lives in Surrey, hopes to raise £300 for Winston’s Wish on Saturday, June 22, by taking part in the Parish Walk for the second time.

“My brother died not this Christmas gone but the one before and his 10-year-old niece is currently receiving help from Winston’s Wish with her bereavement and they’re doing a really good job with her,” explained the 53-year-old.

“I done it for another children’s charity last time but I thought it was appropriate to choose Winston’s Wish this time.”

Garry, who has driven Horsham Metro buses for 10 years, will have a work colleague with him on the day to drive his support vehicle and offer extra encouragement.

“My strategy when I done it two years ago was to walk at 4 miles an hour for 24 hours, so training wise I’ve been walking at 4 miles per hour between 12 and 20 miles,” he continued.

“I’ve been walking at least once a week but the problem is that it’s not just that you’ve got to walk the 85 miles, you’ve got to reach certain timing points at certain times and if you don’t reach them you’re eliminated from the race.

“That’s why last time I done it for charity as well, because it gives you more determination to get to the finish line,”he confessed.

Community and events fundraiser for Winston’s Wish, Louise Brown, said: “It’s great that Garry has chosen to support Winston’s Wish .

“His commitment to walk 85 miles in under 24 hours is inspiring and with the money raised we will be able to continue to provide professional therapeutic support in individual, group or residential settings, and via a national helpline, interactive website and specialist publications to support bereaved children.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/Garry-Asling1