Stewart’s involvement with our fundraising Challenge events began in 2015.
“I’ve always been a runner,” he says. “I imagined when I retired that I’d have so much more time to train but, unfortunately, a hip replacement operation meant I had to shelve those plans. Having met Ian Burks through Reigate Priory Athletics Club, I decided to take on a YMCA walking challenge instead.”
Signing up for our Hadrian’s Wall trek, Stewart found the event to be an eye-opening and motivational experience.
“The camaraderie was wonderful and it was humbling to hear the stories of some of the young people taking part who had benefited from YMCA services.”
Since then, Stewart has completed the Y2Y North Downs Trek five times, the South Downs Trek twice and climbed the Yorkshire Three Peaks in 2018 – despite his fear of heights.
After the Pandemic meant the cancellation of YMCA East Surrey’s YMCA’s 150th year celebrations in 2020, he decided to get creative. So, in 2023, Stewart paid his own tribute, marking his 75th birthday by walking 150 miles from Redhill to Somerset and raising over £2,000 through sponsorship.
Earlier this year, he took his fundraising many steps further.
“I decided to walk the Southern Coast to Coast – 280 miles from Weston-super-Mare to Dover on long distance trails – in support of YMCA East Surrey. In all honesty, I almost bit off more than I could chew! It was definitely the hardest one yet. Both the distance and the weather stretched me to breaking point.”
“When I completed the 150 mile trek and arrived at the house of my grandchildren, I felt elated. At the end of Southern Coast to Coast, it was more like quiet relief. I had a coffee and something to eat and caught the train home.”
Stewart’s account may be understated but he raised a further £1,619 through his gritty determination and the generosity of friends and supporters.
He believes there are benefits to both individual fundraising challenges and taking part in an organised group event.
“I have enjoyed planning my own fundraising treks and, when I’m walking and I’m mostly alone, I have time with my thoughts and take pleasure from the countryside around me.”
“With organised YMCA events, as part of a group, I benefit from all the support behind the scenes, the back up from those providing food, drink and rest stops, and the motivation and company of fellow challengers. It’s a wonderful way to make amazing memories.”
Two years ago, Stewart joined the support team to cover a YMCA cycling trip to Bruges, experiencing the flip side of a carefully planned YMCA Challenge event. He offers his services as a marshal at the annual YMCA Fun Run, is a Walk Leader for our Ramblers Wellbeing Walks and makes a point of attending the official AGM each year.
“It means everything to mix with and hear from the people who actually use the services of YMCA East Surrey,” he explains. “I am regularly moved by their experiences and impressed by the staff who provide support.”
“I feel like I am part of the YMCA family. It’s what has inspired me to fundraise in the past and will keep me involved in the future. It’s a terrific charity. I love telling the people I meet about the extensive work that it does and I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of those it serves.”