TWO MEN recovering from addiction have put one foot in front of another to raise money for a charity that gave them the opportunity to regain their lives.
Dave is an ex resident of Hare Hatch-based Yeldall Manor, while John is coming to the end of the charity’s addiction recovery programme.
The friends started walking together last summer, and have recently completed a 79 mile trek from Hurst Castle on the South Coast, to the drug and alcohol recovery centre at Yeldall Manor, to raise money for the charity.
“We’re doing this out of gratitude, because Yeldall has given us both the chance to recover from addiction and look to the future,” Dave said.
“On one of our walks John started talking about how we could turn it into a fundraising opportunity to help other guys benefit as we had done.
“We’re raising money for the charity’s Good Samaritan Fund because I wouldn’t have been able to come to Yeldall without it.”
Dave and John, joined by their friend Brad on the final day, completed their long trek successfully, and kept their supporters up to date with regular news and photos.
Their final stretch took them through Spencers Wood and Earley, where they were cheered on by other Yeldall Manor residents.
At the time of writing the walkers have raised more than £11,000 with their Walk For Recovery, but their fundraising link is still open for anyone wishing to support the charity.
Supporter relations manager Sue Hedger, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Dave and John, and so impressed by what they’ve achieved.
“This was entirely their idea, and completely organised by them – all the routes, everything.
“We are so touched by what they’ve done to tell other men about their recovery journeys, and to raise money for Yeldall Manor.”
The organisation is a residential drug and alcohol treatment centre for men struggling with addiction.
Through 12 to 24 weeks of residential treatment, and a post treatment resettlement service, people are able to take time to address their physical, emotional and spiritual health, as well as practical issues and damaged relationships.
The charity operates within the context of its Christian ethos, but welcomes men from all walks of life, background, ethnicity, culture and faith.
Funding for drug and alcohol rehabilitation is becoming harder to access, and Yeldall Manor says that its Good Samaritan Fund is increasingly important for those who can’t find funding or afford to pay for treatment themselves.
To support Dave and John’s walk for Yeldall Manor, visit their JustGiving fundraising page and search for Dave Green Walk.
For information about the charity, log onto: www.yeldall.org.uk
