An 83-year-old retired teacher from Totland certainly isn’t ready to hang up his hiking boots just yet as John H White is set to walk the full 26.5 miles of this year’s Walk the Wight, from Bembridge to the Needles.
John, a grandfather to six who has been supporting the fundraising event for the past 13 years, is once taking part to raise much needed funds for patient care at the Earl Mountbatten Hospice in Newport.
Speaking about the upcoming event, John said:
“It’s a very worthwhile charity and I’m glad to help.
“Unlike some of the others, I won’t be going in fancy dress, although I could be Old Father Time if I grew a beard!”
While other men his age are happy playing Scrabble, John takes great pride in being the oldest man so far to register for the full Walk this year.
“Half the walk? Where’s the challenge in that? But yes, my friends do think I’m mad. One of them said ‘it would kill me’ and he’s 20 years younger.”
John has been getting into training with 20 mile treks that he refers to as ‘leg stretchers’ and leading walks for the Ramblers. Perhaps most astonishing of all, he’s also been sprinting up and down a local Chine to ensure that he’s match fit. “10 years ago, that took me 30 seconds – now it takes 40”, he says ruefully.
Based on past experience, he estimates that the walk will take a staggering 12 hours (many people manage it in 8). “There’s usually hardly anyone else left at the end”, he admits. “I’ve missed out on medal presentations twice because of this. So this year, below my walker number -1083 – I’m going to stick on another label that says ‘Third time lucky!’”
Although his wife Sheila, 75, can’t join him – because of her knee trouble – he’s looking forward to meeting old and new friends on the walk.
“You meet lots of lovely people. They rush on past me, but we still have chats. You’re never lonely and people are so helpful. One year, someone lent me a seat while I had my sandwiches, then helped me out of it afterwards! Also, what I like about the walk is that it’s really well organised and so many people give up their time to help marshal and so on.
“After the last check point, there’s a particularly steep hill which I always dread, but after that, it’s plain sailing. Up on the Downs, Tennyson used to say ‘the air up here is worth sixpence a pint’ – so take plenty of deep breaths and get your money’s worth!”
The ‘supergrandad’ clearly loves a challenge and even celebrated his 80th birthday by cycling around the entire Island to raise money for the Hospice.
If you would like to sponsor John, you can call 01983 529511.
JOHN’S WALK THE WIGHT TIPS
- Wear at least two pairs of socks and a stout pair of boots.
- Take a stick, just in case.
- Go on a ‘leg stretcher’ walk a few days before.
