At Medequip, we often get requests for assistance from charity fundraisers, and we always try to help where we can. But a request which came in this year via Neil Glaister from our Newton Aycliffe depot was one we simply couldn’t resist!
Meet William Cooksey, who’s been fundraising for the NHS since the COVID epidemic. He’s already completed a 100 mile walk and a 1000 mile trike ride, raising thousands of pounds. He’s now registered to take part in the Great North Run.
Admirable, you say, but lots of people are dedicated fundraisers. The difference is that when he sets off on the Great North Run, RAF veteran Bill will be 102 years young. He’s the oldest person ever to register to take part, and is already in training.
So how could we help? During his 100 mile walk, Bill had worn out his old rollator. For the Great North Run – which he will compete at a walking pace – he needed a more sophisticated walking aid with extra-large wheels for a smoother ride, even on rough terrain.
Through Medequip’s retail arm Manage At Home, we’ve supplied Bill with a Dietz TAiMA XC all-terrain outdoor rollator. It’s easier on the joints that his old model, and even has reflectors and steering dampers! On 19th April, Bill was invited to Downing Street and Westminster by the local MP for Sedgefield Paul Howell to watch a film about the Great North Run – you can see him on the steps of Downing Street with the aforementioned rollator!
His training regime isn’t for the faint-hearted. He’s currently averaging 10 miles a day, on a route which takes him along a railway path between Newton Aycliffe and Shildon, and Network Rail have given permission for local schoolchildren to put up ‘Good Luck Bill’ posters along his route to cheer him on!
Best of luck, Bill, we’ll all be looking out for you on 10th September when the starting gun sets off the Great North Run!