Starting on Monday, 13th April, Richard will walk the equivalent of 100km per week to raise money for The Mill in Coppermill Lane, writes Marco Marcelline

A long-time trustee of a Walthamstow community centre is set to celebrate his 70th birthday by walking 700km.

Richard Bennett is undertaking the challenge to raise funds for The Mill in Coppermill Lane, which has been operating for over 14 years.

Starting from Monday, 13th April, Richard will walk the equivalent of 100km per week for the community hub, which offers inclusive activities and groups, a free kids playroom, an honesty library, various community events, and a welcoming living room for local residents of all ages.

He said: “I’ve seen the impact The Mill makes – giving people of all ages and backgrounds a place to connect. Turning 70 felt like the right moment to celebrate the community spirit at The Mill and our belief in ‘People Making Things Happen’.”

The first week of his walk will see him trek from The Mill to Woolwich, before taking on the Thames Path all the way to Staines the following day (14th April).

On 18th April he will walk from Windsor to Maidenhead, before eventually making it to Oxford at the end of his second week, and to the source of the Thames in Gloucester at the end of week three.

From there he will pass through Cirencester, Chippenham, and Bath before starting the Ridgeway National Trail through the Chiltern Hills.

His final week will see him take on the Lea Valley Walk from Leagrave to Tottenham Lock before making it back to The Mill on Saturday, 30th May.

The Mill staff and volunteers at a jumble trail held outside the community centre, Credit: The Mill

The Mill is run by and for the community, with a small team of staff and volunteers keeping the space open for everyone in the area to enjoy, providing a space for local people to feel part of and contribute to their local area.

The fundraiser is being hosted on JustGiving, where supporters can follow Richard’s progress and contribute to the campaign. Every donation will directly support The Mill’s ongoing work, helping to keep its doors open and its programme accessible at a time when community spaces and people coming together are more important than ever.

For more information or to support the campaign, visit the “Making 70 Happen” page on JustGiving here

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