This feels like HOME
If you’ve been following my hitchhiking journey to John O’ Groats, raising much-needed funds for Totnes Caring and Bob the Bus, (if not, see previous posts) you’ll know that it was a journey of mixed experiences. Some good, some not quite so good!
But undoubtedly the best ‘lift’ I received was handing over the proceeds from the community in support of my hike; £4,410. A fantastic amount for which I, along with the two amazing recipients, are so very, very grateful for.
So, that’s it. Job done! Time now to relax. And relax I will.
the only place, for me, that felt like home.
Before doing so, I would like to offer sincere thanks to those who have supported me on this venture and indeed all of my fundraising ventures over the years.
My first fundraising on Fore St. occurred some 27 years ago. Yes, 27 years ago when I first arrived on Fore St. as a Big Issue vendor. Due to the amazing support I received, it felt right and necessary to repay that kindness. And so I did. With the town’s support, I managed to raise £2,500 to finance a holiday for 10 children to come to Totnes from Chernobyl for a respite holiday. And so my journey started. Inspired, as an itinerant Big Issue vendor, over the next few years, I would do the same throughout many towns in the South West.
But always returning to Totnes; the only place, for me, that felt like home.
Totnes, having supplied me with the impetus to do good things, it then gave me the added extras of a partner and a home for life; a life, due to your support, is a life I am so grateful for and, for me, a life to be proud of.
So, for much of the last 27 years, I have stood on Fore St., selling various tat and raising funds for various local causes but now, at 70, I am at journey’s end! I have now retired. I know that many will take that statement with a pinch of salt. OK, I first “retired” from Fore St. some eight years ago. Then 7 years ago I “definitely’ retired”, Six years ago I believe I “Absolutely, definitely retired,” culminating in last year when I “most definitely, finally, really and unequivocally retired”. But this year, my wonderful, amazing and fruitful time on Fore St. is most definitely over.
“I’VE RETIRED”
Thanks so much to those in Totnes and beyond who have supported me throughout those years. Thanks to all the friends I’ve gained and thanks to those who helped me in raising over £150,000 for many communities throughout the South West during my tenure as a Big Issue man and beyond.
I will undoubtedly miss being stood on that street. I will undoubtedly miss the fundraising. I will undoubtedly miss the banter and chats with friends and passers by.
So, once again, thank you so, so much for your support. I’m now off to attempt writing my book. It’s called “HOME”.