Thousands raised following 1,000-mile walk around borough, reports James Cracknell A retired comic-book seller has walked 1,000 miles to help raise money […]By Waltham Forest Echo

Peter Murray walked 1,000 miles across different parts of East London between May and December (credit Alexandria Hall Photography)

Thousands raised following 1,000-mile walk around borough, reports James Cracknell

A retired comic-book seller has walked 1,000 miles to help raise money for the hospital that saved his twin sister’s life.

Walthamstow resident Peter Murray, 86, raised more than £7,000 for Whipps Cross University Hospital during a six-month walking challenge that saw him cover up to 30 miles in a single day.

The fundraising mission began back in May last year, after Peter was inspired by Captain Tom Moore’s walking challenge that won the hearts of the nation. Peter wanted to raise money for The Whipps Cross Hospital League of Friends in appreciation of the “excellent” care and treatment his sibling Madge received after she contracted coronavirus.

“I wanted to do something nice for the hospital after the kind care that my twin sister received during her time there,” said Peter. “Five years ago she had two heart attacks, and doctors suggested she would have four months to live.”

Peter moved in with his sister to provide palliative care and although Madge defied her bleak medical prognosis, when she caught Covid19 in February her odds of survival reduced once more.

“Once again the doctor said she would not survive, but she did fully recover from the virus and went on to live for another five months.”

Madge died in July from her multiple long-term health conditions. Peter, who ran a successful book trading business for four decades, said he doesn’t want to give up walking. He is now planning to walk another 1,000 miles, this time in aid of North London Hospice, which took care of a number of his other late sisters. Peter is one of 15 siblings.

Peter’s other charity work includes regular donations to local foodbanks, while he is also raising money for multiple projects in Africa.

Donations for Peter’s walking challenge are still being accepted: Visit gofundme.com/f/1000-mile-walk-around-walthamstow

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