High Peak running club to mark Captain Tom Moore's birthday with 100 mile relay for foodbank

Members of the Goyt Valley Striders will be running three mile loops around Whaley Bridge on Saturday, May 1, and are inviting people to show their support by donating items for the town’s foodbank.

Buxworth resident and club treasurer Brian Holland, 65, said: “I saw on the news that Captain Tom’s family were asking people to remember him by taking on their own 100-things challenge, so we are hoping people pass by and drop in 100 tins.

“He was such an inspiration and even at 100, wanted to do something for the greater good, always with a smile on his face.”

The challenge will get under way at around 8am, with the first runner heading out towards the Roosdyche and back.

Brian, who has been with the club 13 years, is currently nursing a sprained ankle so will be manning the changeover point at the Transhipment Shed, in the canal basin, which is also where people can drop off their donations.

He said: “There are so many worthy charities we could have chosen, but a lot people have had a bad time in lockdown and there is a real need to support the foodbank.

“All the runners will be wearing club t-shirts so, even if you can’t donate anything, you can give them a wave if you see them around town.”

It is not the first time the club has taken on a challenge like this, having helped a foodbank in New Mills with a 12 hour relay on a snowy day in January.

Brian said: “It’s a good way for the club to come back together after a year when our usual activities have been so disjointed. It’s normally a very sociable thing.”

The club is open to new members of all ages, genders and ability levels from beginners to ultra marathons. For details, see www.goytvalleystriders.org.uk.

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