IODPA member Keith Henderson has committed to an endurance walking challenge to raise funds for two charities, IODPA and Prostate Cancer UK.
In a public post, this is what he wrote –
As some of you know, I had a crazy idea for a fundraiser. No one has tried to talk me out of it (some friends you are ).
45 MILES IN 24 HOURS – ENDURANCE WALK
Prostate Cancer UK & Injury on Duty Pensioners Association
ENDURANCE WALKING CHALLENGE FOR TWO CHARITIES
On Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 January 2022, I will be walking the Deeside Way from the Ballater Police Office, where I served as a young officer, to the old Police HQ in Aberdeen, a distance of 45 miles. The walk is non-stop and to be done within 24 hours. The Deeside Way roughly follows the old railway line that Queen Victoria used when travelling to Balmoral Castle.
Chuck in the January weather, lengthy night time walking, some navigation and the distance involved, it is a proper endurance event that will test me (I’m wrong side of a bus pass). I will be carrying my own kit, food and doing it ‘solo’ (no one else is walking the distance start to finish though friends have offered to accompany me for sections). All costs in arranging, travelling etc. are mine and every penny donated goes to the following charities.
Prostate Cancer UK www.prostatecanceruk.org
The first charity I am walking for is Prostate Cancer UK. It is very personal to me with both family and friends being affected by this illness. One in eight men will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Research, diagnosis, treatment and patient support all need funding.
They are having March for Men Endurance events from January to October 2022 and my walk is also in aid of this. Donations can be made here: www.justgiving.com/Keith-Henderson7
Injury On Duty Pensioners Association www.iodpa.org
No one wants to end their police career on ill-health. Unfortunately, many do, including me.
The Injury On Duty Pensioners Association is the only dedicated organisation that supports police officers who have been injured on duty through no fault of their own. Injuries can be mental, physical, and on occasions, both.
The IODPA advises officers, who are going through the ill health retirement process, are applying for an injury pension, or are having their pension award reviewed.
Decisions can be made by Forces that are detrimental to officers seeking an injury pension and the IODPA is there to give advice and assistance to overcome those problems.
The IODPA is a small charity and relies on membership and donations. Therefore a ‘crowd funding’ page is necessary on this occasion to take donations. The link is: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/keith-hendersoniodpa
Thank you for reading. I hope you can support me by donating to either charity.
Thanks, Keith Henderson
Everyone within IODPA wish Keith the very best for his challenge and we hope the weather stays kind to him! It is an incredible feat to do at any time but in the middle of winter takes it to a whole new level.
We are very humbled that Keith should choose us as one of his chosen charities and thank him from the bottom of our hearts.
If you can spare a pound or two, please consider supporting Keith.
Hello friends,
DEESIDE WAY CHARITY WALK – UPDATE
FIRST – BIG THANK YOU for the donations and support. The Injury On Duty Pensioners Association donations has reached £1150, and Prostate Cancer UK £1440.
After Storms Malik and Corrie scuppered my original dates in January, on the morning of Wednesday 2nd I saw a clear weather window to attempt the challenge of 45 miles in 24 hours starting that day. I packed my gear and headed to Ballater knowing I was going to be on my own and in the dark for most of the walk.
Setting off from the Ballater Police Office at 14.00 hrs on 2nd, I had 3 hours of daylight before head torch was required to see my way. Walking through the night and taking extra time and distance to negotiate a decimated forest of fallen trees, I arrived on the outskirts of Aberdeen where I began to feel disorientated, nauseous and showing signs of total exhaustion. Gutted I was only 8 miles from the finish, I took the decision it was not safe for me to continue. I will complete the walk once I recover and my feet heal from some blisters (nothing too serious).
The Just Giving pages will remain open for another week for anyone that still wishes to donate.
Injury On Duty Pensioners Association http://www.iodpa.org
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/keith-hendersoniodpa
Prostate Cancer UK http://www.prostatecanceruk.org
http://www.justgiving.com/Keith-Henderson7
It was always going to be a difficult challenge physically but one I thought achievable. So disappointed I ‘ran out of juice’ near the end.
I achieved – 38.48 miles completed, 81526 steps, average pace 20.11 minutes per mile, actual walking time 12 hours 6 minutes (total time with stops – 17 hrs 27 minutes), ascended 1608 feet, heart rate averaged 114bpm but hit 157 (too near to my maximum for my age!!), and raised at least £2600 for charity.
I might not have managed my own challenge, but I am delighted with how you have all supported me and the charities have benefited enormously.
THANK YOU ALL! Keith Henderson
I wish you the best with this adventure. It is amazing just to even consider doing it when you complete it you will feel a million dollars even if you are slightly knackered. I will be keeping up with you journey and hope to read some updates.
It always fills me with admiration when a former injured police officer, or family member, puts themselves out for the benefit of others.
I wish the same could be said for those Chief Officers, or SMP’s, who are often the cause of pain and suffering for some, if not many of these retired officers. If only they would show the same care and compassion. I’m not talking about them walking great distances, but just thinking through the effect their money saving schemes have on their former staff, or officers who appear before them.
In other words, having a conscience!
I wish Keith all the best in his endeavour. He’s a brave man, a proud former officer who can hold his head up high, unlike some of those Senior Officers I’ve mentioned.
Best of luck with your endeavours.
Hats off to you, you are a brave brave man and this will test you. Walking this in summer would be hard enough but to do it in mid winter in Scotland, is just incredible.
Wishing you bright sun, singing birds and warm winds behind you.
Sending you good vibes and positive energy Keith.
My family & I will be willing you on at the weekend. We hope the weather stays ok for you & you soon get those miles under your belt.
You are a brave man Keith and I am full of admiration for you.
And your charities are something that mean so much to me so very well done.
Break a leg (in the nicest possible way) and look forward to hearing more about your journey.