A businessman’s charity walk got off to a great start, thanks to a helping hand from a Malvern signage team.
Mark Willis, non-executive chairman of Surplex UK Limited, is preparing to walk from Diglis Basin in Worcester as part of the 250-mile Kindness Amble, raising funds for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and the Canal & River Trust.
Travelling with his dog, Nina, who will ride in a stroller equipped with solar-powered cooling fans, Mr Willis will spend 23 days walking through the Midlands.
However, a last-minute problem with the stroller nearly got in the way of their plans.
Mr Willis said: “I’ll be completely honest, my initial attempt at a sign for the front of Nina’s stroller was just some plain black text printed out onto a Word document.
“It is safe to say I have absolutely zero graphic design skills.”
Fortunately, Signs Central in Malvern stepped in to help after hearing about the challenge.
The team designed, manufactured, and donated a professional, weatherproof sign to help promote the charity trek.
Mr Willis said: “We are incredibly grateful to the team at Signs Central.
“The whole point of this challenge is to look for kindness along the towpaths, but to experience this level of generosity before we’ve even started is just brilliant.
“Not only have they given us a highly visible sign that will really help drum up support, but they’ve also saved myself (and Nina) from the embarrassment of being seen in public with my original handiwork.”
The Kindness Amble relies on the generosity of strangers and communities along the route, and Mr Willis has appealed for places to camp each night.
Support has already poured in, with people offering him camping spots, meals, and even access to showers.
Mr Willis said the sign is another example of the generosity he’s encountered before even setting off.
The walk begins on July 1, from Worcester, and he hopes the new sign will help attract further support and donations.
To follow their journey or to make a donation, visit www.surplex.co.uk/donate.
