OXFAM HEAD-OFFICE ( OXFORD )
Wednesday 3 June: Stop press - Walking man! This is Brian MacIntosh, a volunteer from the Oxfam shop in Wallasey, the Wirral. Like many people affected by the credit crunch, Brian was made redundant, and started volunteering at his local Oxfam shop. He got so inspired by what he learned about Oxfam that he decided to do something different: walk 150 miles to let everyone know why it's so good to volunteer. And to raise money for Oxfam along the way. He left Wallasey last Friday, 29 May, and arrived this morning in Oxford. A huge thank you to you Brian - you are amazing! - and to all you other wonderful volunteers who make such a difference to Oxfam's work fighting poverty worldwide. A big three cheers for volunteers, hip hip...!
WALLASEY NEWS
SIX months ago Brian Macintosh was made redundant and admits he became lazy .... but now he has kick- started his life again.
The father-of-three has started to turn his life around and has embarked on a 150-mile walk for charity.
Eight years out of the Army and the former Mosslands School pupil found himself without a job, after his work as an HGV driver dried up.
Brian, 32, told the News: “I got laid off and started by being a bit lazy.
“Then I thought I’ve got to do something, so I did some volunteer work at Oxfam.
“I started there and, for some reason, decided to go to church.
“The local church here, St Hilary’s, is 150 years old this year, so I thought maybe I could do a sponsored walk and go 150 miles from the church to Oxford, where Oxfam’s head office is.
“It’s better than just sitting around feeling sorry for myself.”
And on Friday, Brian packed his bags, loaded up his tent and set off on his week-long trek.
He hopes to visit Oxfam shops along the way, camping some nights and staying with associates who have heard of his plans...
The father-of-three has started to turn his life around and has embarked on a 150-mile walk for charity.
Eight years out of the Army and the former Mosslands School pupil found himself without a job, after his work as an HGV driver dried up.
Brian, 32, told the News: “I got laid off and started by being a bit lazy.
“Then I thought I’ve got to do something, so I did some volunteer work at Oxfam.
“I started there and, for some reason, decided to go to church.
“The local church here, St Hilary’s, is 150 years old this year, so I thought maybe I could do a sponsored walk and go 150 miles from the church to Oxford, where Oxfam’s head office is.
“It’s better than just sitting around feeling sorry for myself.”
And on Friday, Brian packed his bags, loaded up his tent and set off on his week-long trek.
He hopes to visit Oxfam shops along the way, camping some nights and staying with associates who have heard of his plans...
Brian said: “I aim to walk about 20 miles a day, but I know I can double that.
“Someone offered to put me up in Shrewsbury for a night, and they’ve sponsored me £2 a mile – £300 in total – so I’m very grateful for that.”
So far, the Wallasey Village man has generated £870 in funds for the church and he hopes to increase that to £1,000.
He’s also become involved in the church’s youth activities by helping to coach football, and now hopes to achieve a qualification that will allow him to work as a mentor to young people.
St Hilary’s Reverend John Farr said: “He’s got to be applauded for it.
“I’m sure he’s got friends in different quarters but he decided he wasn’t going anywhere and has turned his life around.
“I think the kids thought he was off his head when he started, but he’s great with them and doesn’t take any nonsense.”
And for those in similar positions, Brian added: “Just try and take part, because that’s what I’ve done.
“I started all this to keep myself busy and my mind ticking over, but I’m happier now than I’ve ever been.”
To sponsor Brian, visit www.justgiving.com/brian macintosh150milewalk
Have you been made redundant recently, before finding your feet again?
“Someone offered to put me up in Shrewsbury for a night, and they’ve sponsored me £2 a mile – £300 in total – so I’m very grateful for that.”
So far, the Wallasey Village man has generated £870 in funds for the church and he hopes to increase that to £1,000.
He’s also become involved in the church’s youth activities by helping to coach football, and now hopes to achieve a qualification that will allow him to work as a mentor to young people.
St Hilary’s Reverend John Farr said: “He’s got to be applauded for it.
“I’m sure he’s got friends in different quarters but he decided he wasn’t going anywhere and has turned his life around.
“I think the kids thought he was off his head when he started, but he’s great with them and doesn’t take any nonsense.”
And for those in similar positions, Brian added: “Just try and take part, because that’s what I’ve done.
“I started all this to keep myself busy and my mind ticking over, but I’m happier now than I’ve ever been.”
To sponsor Brian, visit www.justgiving.com/brian macintosh150milewalk
Have you been made redundant recently, before finding your feet again?
OXFORD MAIL
150-mile trek raises £1,000 for Oxfam
3:55pm Thursday 4th June 2009
Comments () Have your say »
AN OUT-OF-WORK truck driver who turned his hand to volunteering at his local Oxfam shop raised more than £1,000 after walking 150 miles to the charity’s hometown of Oxford.
Brian MacIntosh, 32, was laid off from his job as an HGV driver at a recycling plant in Wallasey, near Liverpool, at the beginning of the year.
Keen to keep occupied, the father-of-one took voluntary work at an Oxfam shop and loved it so much he decided to do something big for the charity.
Last Friday, the former soldier left his home in the North West and began the 150-mile walk to Oxford, stopping at a dozen Oxfam shops. He arrived at Oxford’s Broad Street branch yesterday.
He said: “The distances have varied, but it’s been about 20 to 30 miles a day. On Tuesday I walked through the night from Worcester to be at Oxford for the morning — that was about 46 or 47 miles.”
He added: “I’ve had a really positive reaction from people along the way. One couple in Shrewsbury offered me a barbecue, a place to sleep for the night — which I accepted — and ended up sponsoring me £300. The reception in Oxford was brilliant and I’ve been given a tour of the head office in Cowley.”
Mr MacIntosh is now looking at working for a charity full time.
3:55pm Thursday 4th June 2009
Comments () Have your say »
AN OUT-OF-WORK truck driver who turned his hand to volunteering at his local Oxfam shop raised more than £1,000 after walking 150 miles to the charity’s hometown of Oxford.
Brian MacIntosh, 32, was laid off from his job as an HGV driver at a recycling plant in Wallasey, near Liverpool, at the beginning of the year.
Keen to keep occupied, the father-of-one took voluntary work at an Oxfam shop and loved it so much he decided to do something big for the charity.
Last Friday, the former soldier left his home in the North West and began the 150-mile walk to Oxford, stopping at a dozen Oxfam shops. He arrived at Oxford’s Broad Street branch yesterday.
He said: “The distances have varied, but it’s been about 20 to 30 miles a day. On Tuesday I walked through the night from Worcester to be at Oxford for the morning — that was about 46 or 47 miles.”
He added: “I’ve had a really positive reaction from people along the way. One couple in Shrewsbury offered me a barbecue, a place to sleep for the night — which I accepted — and ended up sponsoring me £300. The reception in Oxford was brilliant and I’ve been given a tour of the head office in Cowley.”
Mr MacIntosh is now looking at working for a charity full time.
simply marvelous, amazing..commendable effort..good wishes always...
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Seeta Nawagekar
www.seetarn.com
Ugly
ReplyDeleteLooked in the mirror lately
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