Retired Deputy Chief Executive begins his
challeng...
RETIREMENT IS supposed to be a time for relaxation and an easy life - but not for Peter Gawthorne! The recently retired Deputy Chief Executive of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has swapped peaceful days in the garden for a gruelling 1,000 mile cycle challenge to raise money for deserving children's charity, Childline.
Peter recently tired from the Trust, where he has worked for more than 20 years. But rather than leave with the usual present of a 'gold clock' or 'watch', he opted to use the money raised from his collection towards sponsorship for the challenge of a lifetime - taking part in the Lands End to John O'Groats bike ride.
It is something he has always wanted to do, and he also saw it as an ideal opportunity to raise money for Childline North West, a charity that is very close to his heart.
He said:- "This is something I've always wanted to do. I've never had time before now but I'd always promised myself that once I retired I would have a go. The first couple of days have been hard, but it's a real challenge and I'm determined to complete it to raise the money for Childline."
Peter added:- " have raised money for Childline several times before because I have a soft spot for the charity. The work they do for children is simply amazing. It is the only organisation to offer all children free and confidential advice, 24 hours a day, and it's good to know that people are out there ready to help children in their hour of need
"You hear so many terrible stories about children who are being abused, bullied or victimised, which is why it's so important for them to have someone to turn to when they are in desperate need or are in danger. It's reassuring to know that Childline are working to protect young people who are at risk from harm and to help them resolve problems in their lives."
Already he has raised more than £500 and is hoping more donations will come pouring in when he completes the challenge.
Peter started his journey on Wednesday, July 16th, and his first day was probably his worst.
"It hammered down with rain all day, he laughed.
And the route was very hilly, so I'm going to take it easy and complete the ride at my own pace."
It's the first time Peter has ever tried to cycle such a long way - he has practised with a few smaller challenges, such as the Coast-to-Coast ride, but nothing near as gruelling as this. However, he aims to do about 70 to 80 miles a day so he doesn't collapse in a heap at the end!
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FESTIVAL IN FASHION.....!
- SHOPPING is in fashion in Liverpool City Centre this summer. Starting this weekend, Saturdays and Sundays are going to see musicians, dancers and street entertainers attract more visitors to the city's main retail area.
And the launch of the Liverpool Shopping Festival will see Church Street transformed into a catwalk.
Models from the Liverpool-based IMPACT Model Agency will be wearing designs from Principles, Burtons, Drome and Pure Woman to name but a few.
The Festival starts at the Podium in Church Street on Saturday July 26 at 1pm and the entertainment continues throughout the afternoon.
To begin the fashion show there will be heart thumping percussion and dance from Liverpool Samba School and a glittering array of costumes direct from Rio de Janeiro Carnival and Street Jazz with MD Productions.
On Sunday 27 July there will be giant garden games, street artists, musicians, street entertainers and treasure hunts with lots of freebies, goodies and give-aways.
And string quartets, opera singers and acrobats will be appearing at unusual venues throughout the weekend.
The Festival will last for six weeks and has been organised jointly by the City Council and the Liverpool Stores Committee, marking the beginning of the pilot Business Improvement District, which is due to be launched this year.
Councillor Barbara Mace, Assistant Executive Member for Regeneration, said:-
"These are very exciting times for shopping in Liverpool.
We are on the verge of starting on the Paradise Street development and we are going to make Liverpool a prime retail destination. But we want to attract more shoppers now and add a lot more animation to the city
centre."
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