Lions president an ‘inspiration’ after intensive fundraiser

Tom Osborne raised around £1,000 for Lions International Blood Research Appeal (LIBRA) after he finished twelve days of intensive walking along the South West Coastal Path on Sunday, September 15.

Andrew Lodge, the chairman of the charity LIBRA said: “The Trustees of LIBRA are most grateful to Tom for taking up such a great challenge to raise the profile of our work.

“Tom is a real inspiration and he has so much positive energy.”

The journey took Tom from South Haven Point, Studlands, to Brixham in Devon.

This was the second leg of the charity challenge for LIBRA which was split into two sections, with the first being walked in July.

The first leg took Tom along the Solent Way from West Wittering to Sandbanks in Dorset.

“It was a wonderful walk and the route was superb,” said Tom. “It took in some beautiful scenery and I met some great people on the way.”

Throughout both legs of the journey he was supported by fellow Lions from various clubs in Sussex, Hampshire, Dorset and Devon.

“They helped me to raise vital funds for LIBRA and also to spread the word about the work of Lions Clubs International on a local and international level,” he continued.

“I am pleased with the funds I raised for LIBRA and hope that some people will still donate.

“I also hope my efforts will encourage others to join the world’s largest service organisation that benefits major projects like LIBRA,” he added.

All funds raised by Tom will go to the Haematology Department at King’s College Hospital in London, so that new treatments for leukaemia and other blood disorders can be created.

The charity, which was founded in 1976, claims to be the only appeal which solely campaigns for such world renowned laboratories and aims to raise funds to cover the cost of state-of-the art equipment.

Their goal throughout 2013 is to raise £100,000 so that two new items of equipment can be purchased.

“People like Tom make a real difference and his funds will help to save lives,” added LIBRA chairman Andrew Lodge.

However, Tom’s journey doesn’t stop here as his long term goal is to walk the coast of England and Wales, a distance of 5,500 miles.

Tom would also like to hear from anyone who is interested in joining Horsham Lions Club.

You can reach him on 01403 241167 or email [email protected]