Fashion sense at warp factor for beer walk

Chris Marshall (centre) pushes his mother, Lesley, in a wheelchair in a dress rehearsal for the beer walk. With them are Chris’s sister, Heather, and chip-shop owner Tony Seel

Words by MARINA BERRY

Picture: CHRIS SUNDERLAND

SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Christopher Marshall will need all his strength and stamina to push his mother round the demanding 11.2 mile Saddleworth Beer Walk.

The teenager volunteered for the feat when his mother, Lesley, said she wanted to raise money for the Christie at Oldham appeal.

She is still recovering from an operation on her spine two years ago, and can only walk short distances.

So she will make the journey in a wheelchair, and it will be down to her son to ensure she makes it over the finishing line.

“He’s 6ft 3in and a bodybuilder so he’s very fit,” laughed Lesley. “I’m glad he will only be drinking lemonade, especially as part of the walk is on the canal towpath.

“The best bit is I will be able to drink as much as I want without falling over.”

Lesley (40), of Springhead Avenue, Springhead, teamed up with chip shop owner Anthony Seal to organise the beer walk entry.

Anthony owns Selwyns chip shop in High Street, Lees, where Lesley’s daughter, Heather, works.

The 20-year-old and her colleagues are among 19 people who have so far signed up to take part, including staff from Lesley’s place of work, Masterpalm Properties, Springhead, which runs four local residential homes.

Lesley said: “My grandfather, Walter Gilbey, died from cancer just before Christmas, and Anthony’s uncle also died from cancer so we joined forces to do this in memory of them both.

The walkers will dress up as characters from the “Rocky Horror Picture Show”, with Lesley as the wheelchair-bound Dr Everett Scott.

They will be among more than 1,500 fund-raising walkers taking part in the beer walk on Saturday, June 6, which visits landmark pubs and clubs on a route around Greenfield, Uppermill, Dobcross, Delph and Diggle.

Urging other people to walk for the Christie at Oldham appeal, fund-raising officer Jacky Plant said: “It’s a great day and great fun, besides being an opportunity to raise money.”

For more information or an entry form, click: www.beerwalk.co.uk then contact Jacky at the Christie on 0161-446 3979 for a fund-raising pack.

TO get help or advice in setting up a fund-raising event, contact the appeals office on 0161-446 3988, visit www.christies.org  or text OLDHAM CHRISTIE followed by your name and address to 07971-456824 to receive a fund-raising pack. The pack will have details on how to make sure your money goes to the Christie At Oldham Appeal. Cheques should be made payable to The Christie (Oldham Evening Chronicle). If sending cash, enclose a covering letter to say it is for the Christie At Oldham campaign.