A diabetic man is embarking on a 100km challenge to raise money for a charity which supports adults living in the community with mental health problems and learning disabilities.

Stuart Wilson, 52, from Horley, who is a disability employment adviser at Kingston’s Job Centre, will be testing his own endurance by taking part in the Thames Path Challenge for the Fircroft Trust.

Mr Wilson, who has type 2 diabetes, will be starting off in Putney and then walking along the Thames all the way to Henley – in just 24 hours.

He said: “I chose to take part for two reasons. I’m diabetic so it’ll be a big personal challenge for me health wise and also I have been working with the Fircroft trust for just over two years now.

“I see them on a monthly basis to run the job club with their service users. I find it is a really good cause to help. They do a lot for the community.”

The Fircroft Trust, based in Surbiton, provides both residential and day care for those with learning difficulties.

Ann Fowler, service administrator at the Fircroft Trust, said: “We really appreciate Stuart fundraising for our benefit; he is always looking for ways to help us. It means a lot to us and our service users and they all really support him.”

This is not the first fundraising challenge Mr Wilson has been involved in.

He said: “About two or three years ago for Children In Need I did a sponsored half marathon climbing up and the down stairs of Kingston job centre. We’ve got five floors at the job centre so that is a lot of stairs.”

Mr Wilson added: “I am quietly confident, it is achievable.”

He will take on his challenge on September 14.

To sponsor Mr Wilson visit: justgiving.com/stuart-wilson11.

 

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