Melksham councillor’s ‘Big Walk’ for charity

SHOPPERS at the Co-op store in Blackmore Road, Melksham, may have been surprised on Saturday to see local councillor, Jon Hubbard, pounding a treadmill to raise money for charity and awareness of a local event.

Cllr Hubbard, who is a Wiltshire councillor representing Melksham explained, “For those wondering why some crazy councillor was spending the day on the treadmill in soaring temperatures, well it was all in aid of “The Big Walk” which takes place on 13th September when we will be walking from Melksham to Bath (via Bradford on Avon). On Saturday I walked the entire 17.5 mile journey on the treadmill.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who popped some money in the bucket when I was on the treadmill. My particular thanks to Graham Moorehouse and the whole team at Blackmore Road Co-op for hosting the event and making me feel so welcome. Graham also kindly stepped in and kept the treadmill going during my two breaks and topped up the total distance travelled to 20 miles after I had finished. Many thanks also to Tracy Griffen from Pembroke Road Co-op who gave up her afternoon to support me and tell shoppers why there was a mad man on a treadmill as they entered the store!

“The £156 raised on Saturday and all of the proceeds from the main sponsored walk happening on 13th September will be split between Hope For Tomorrow, bringing cancer care closer to home, and Melksham Extended Services, providing counselling support for young people.

“If anyone would like to join us on The Big Walk or would like to sponsor those taking part, then details are available online at www.thebigwalk.org.uk or from Melksham Asda, the town hall or either of the Co-op stores in the town.”