Keswick’s mayor has revealed he plans to get a tattoo of Alfred Wainwright to raise money for the town’s cash-strapped parks – just as soon as he has recovered from his latest marathon fundraising exploits.
Alan Dunn completed 81 laps of Fitz Park in 24 hours last weekend. His efforts – the equivalent of walking 50 miles – have so far raised more than £7,000 towards the Fitz Park Trust, which maintains public parks and recreation grounds in Keswick.
But with an £85,000 hole in the trust’s finances due to the COVID pandemic Alan says he is determined to continue with his fundraising activities.
“As well as facilities being locked down, the financial situation in the parks has been made worse by the fact that it has not been possible to furlough park employees,” he said.
“As one of 12 town councillors I’m automatically a trustee, so I wanted to do my bit to raise some money to support these wonderful public spaces here in Keswick.”
Alan was joined for some of his sponsored laps by other trustees, town councillors and friends and members of the Keswick community.
“I only did one lap alone, but had company every lap after that,” he said. “I had a great walk through the night with four or five people with me all the way.
“We saw a beautiful sunrise and even had bit of fun clearing the park of seagulls with the laser gun.
“I was well fed and watered by my wife Heather, and kind folk brought me things like hard boiled eggs and sweets at 3.30am on Sunday morning.”
Each lap of Fitz Park is 1,005 metres, and over the two days Alan – who wore his mayoral chains at all times – registered a total of 129,199 steps.
“At the end I was overwhelmed by the number of people who walked the last lap with me and who then cheered me in at 6pm on Sunday,” he said.
“I thanked everyone, went home to a great casserole and a bath, then slept solidly for 14 hours!”
Now Alan says he is planning more fundraising activities, including a tandem paraglide, launching a mayoral beer, and getting a tattoo to celebrate completing all 214 Wainwrights.
“I’ve got 12 summits to go, so I’m aiming to invite people to come and join me for the last climb up Great End in aid of the campaign,” he said.
“If that proves successful, I’m thinking about getting a tattoo of the great man which will also help the cause. Mind you, I haven’t decided whereabouts yet!”
