Richard tackles lockdown challenge to support three charities

For many years Edinburgh and Penicuik local Richard Vallis has worked to setup, champion and support a range of brilliant organisations and charities in the city and beyond.

Richard isn’t letting Covid-19 put a stop to his work: he’s pledging to walk a distance of 6k around his garden in Penicuik – an undertaking which presents a significant personal challenge having lost his leg 24 years ago to bone cancer and having had to learn to walk again as a result.

Richard embarks on this mammoth task very much driven by his own altruistic spirit, a need to help others and an awareness of specific challenges given his own disability; and to continue to support three organisations which are very dear to his heart.

All funds raised will be split equally between: 

Lothian Disability Sport, who promote sport & physical recreation for people with a disability which Richard has supported for many years, earning him the wonderful experience of taking part in the Queen’s Baton Relay in 2014 before the Glasgow Commonwealth Games,

Lung Ha Theatre Company, the leading theatre company in Scotland for people with a learning disability which Richard co-founded in 1984

and Scottish charity Friends of Chitambo, which aims to support health measures in the hospital and surrounding Zambian district, a charity which was set up by Richard’s wife Jo who grew up in Zambia.

Richard will begin his garden trek challenge Wednesday 20th May and aims to reach the finish line by early June, all while safely maintaining social distancing of course.

He will be supported throughout by his wife Jo, his son Paul, who will be helping to document his journey, and by the very many friends Richard has made from each organisation his efforts are in aid of.

Wider support is much needed, welcomed and appreciated and those who wish to donate can do so via Crowdfunder.

Richard Vallis said: “During lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic I thought I’d make use of my daily exercise to support Lung Ha, Lothian Disability Sport and Friends of Chitambo, three charities dear to my heart and do a sponsored walk within the garden.

“On hundred times round the garden would be about 6 kilometres, 4 miles. With my disability, an above hip amputation, this will be quite a challenge and will require roughly twice as much energy than what would be needed prior to my amputation – but I’d hope to achieve it in about 3 weeks. I very much hope people see fit to support me in this effort to raise funds for these amazing organisations!”

Updates from Richard’s challenge will be shared across social media channels from each charity using the hashtag #richards6kchallange:

Lung Ha

Facebook – www.facebook.com/lunghas/

Twitter – @LungHasTheatre

Instagram – @lunghatheatre

Lothian Disability Sport

Facebook – www.facebook.com/LothianDisabilitySport

Twitter – @LDS_Sport

Friends of Chitambo

Facebook – www.facebook.com/friendsofchitambo

Twitter – @FriendsChitambo