A hero... every step of the way

ON a mission . . . Steve on route in full costume

Super dad completes coast-to-coast trek
A SUPERHERO dad proved his mettle after completing a gruelling coast-to coast-charity challenge.

Steve Bradley, from Saddleworth, dressed up as Batman to walk 192 miles, carrying a heavy rucksack, from St Bees, near Sellafield, to Whitby.

He undertook the punishing trek to raise money for a charity which helps his five-year-old son Dylan, who suffers with Cerebral Palsy. Many children from Greater Manchester attend the Stick’n’Step centre on the Wirral for free, where they learn to push the boundaries of their disabilities.

Steve, who funded all the accommodation himself to ensure all the money raised goes to the centre, has raised £900 in total so far, including sponsorship and £435 collected along the way.

The New Bridge Learning Centre tutor dressed up as the comic book hero so people could easily identify he was on a charity mission and offer donations without him having to harass them for money.

He said: “I can honestly say that doing the walk has been one of the most positive experiences of my life. The people I met were on the whole generous and friendly. Every time I was feeling tired or lonely somebody would stop and chat, beep their horn or just say ‘keep going’. It’s the little things like that which spur you on.

“Wearing the Batman suit was a big help in many ways apart from the fact it became very hot, very quickly, it made me very easy to spot. Being dressed this way caused some great comedy moments such as walking the last day of the lakes over Kidsty Pike in thick fog and appearing through the mist to a group of Aussies.

“I have posed for countless photos for people whose ‘friends won’t believe them without the evidence.’”

It’s the third time Steve has completed the walk, having earned his Queen Scout Award with it and acting as a back-up for the Venture Scouts, and it brought back great memories for him.

Steve, who is married to Michelle and also has a two-year-old son Oscar, has previously completed the Manchester mini-marathon with Dylan to raise money for the centre — with the pair dressed as Batman and Robin.

He added: “Dylan attends the centre twice a week and has come on leaps and bounds. He is living proof of the difference the centre can make.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/sticknstep.