Tony steps up to help veteran heroes' cause

Tony Williamson is walking 2,500 miles to raise money for Help for Heroes.

SOME people have a big party to mark their 50th birthday, or buy something expensive to celebrate the milestone occasion.

But Tony Williamson, from Alt, has opted for something more selfless.

Tony is walking 50 miles for 50 weeks in time for his 50th birthday to raise money for Help for Heroes, Britain's biggest veterans' charity.

He turns 50 on May 17 and will walk a total of 2,500 miles ­- and try to raise a pound for each mile.

But admin worker Tony is no novice to walking.

Last Easter he did the Anglesey Coastal Path, a 200-kilometre long-distance footpath around the island of Anglesey in North Wales.

Sadly for Tony, his mother Jean passed away last June after ill health, shortly after announcing he would be doing this challenge.

But he channelled that grief into something positive, believing it is something his mother would have been proud of.

Come rain or shine Tony has continued to walk every day since since June, even walking during break times at work.

He chose Help for Heroes as one of his school friends recently left the army after 33 years' service and wanted to think of a way to thank those in the armed forces. Tony said: "When I watched the Invictus Games last year it highlighted more prevalence of PTSD and mental health issues. I have issues myself which I have overcome so I have empathy with some of those struggling with mental issues.

"I have always enjoyed walking. I wanted to focus on something because of the mental issues and one of the things I do is have little goals to achieve. I have short, medium and long-term goals so it's kept me focused.

"Previously I would have driven to work. Now I walk, which takes me about half an hour. Walking through winter has been tough but that's what I call a challenge.

"Having to do it regularly is difficult sometimes. I never wanted to give up ­- the focus has always been there.

"Although it's a big challenge, compared to what the people I'm raising funds for it's nothing compared to what they have done for us over the years.

"It's definitely been a pleasure to do it. It's taken an awful lot of time but it has been worthwhile."

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Tony-Williamson1. You can also donate via text by sending the code HFHE67 to 70070.