TWO Stratford friends are stepping out on an epic adventure this Friday, all to support the great work of Birmingham Children\u2019s Hospital.<\/p>\n
Darren Parkin and Giles Cleeve will set out from the steps of Mansion House in the heart of the City of London at dawn tomorrow (6th June) and walk a 130-mile route back to Stratford Town Hall.<\/p>\n
Darren explained: \u201cWe\u2019re doing this for Birmingham Children’s Hospital \u2013 one of the three chosen charities of Stratford\u2019s new mayor, Dani Hunter.<\/p>\n
James and Dani Hunter, with children Simon and Alannah. Inset, Giles Cleeve and Darren Parkin.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a cause that is dear and close to Dani\u2019s heart, because that\u2019s where her amazing little girl Alannah, five, recently underwent massive open heart surgery.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe bravery of Alannah and the whole Hunter family goes way beyond inspirational. And we\u2019d like to help in the Hunters\u2019 wonderful endeavour to give something back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even before they set off, Darren and Giles had already raised more than \u00a3600 on their Gofundme page, but are hoping their efforts will inspire more donations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe trek will be self-sufficient, and we\u2019ll be sleeping wild in bivvy bags at the end of each gruelling day, ready to begin again at first light,\u201d explained Darren.<\/p>\n
Giles Cleeve and Darren Parkin<\/p>\n
As well as Alannah, mayor Dani also has a son, Simon, eight, with husband James, a teacher at KES.<\/p>\n
Offering her thanks, Dani said: \u201cDarren and Giles are extraordinarily kindly doing this in the name of one of my chosen good causes this year, Birmingham Children\u2019s Hospital.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe care, compassion and expertise shown to Alannah \u2013 and to us as a family \u2013 at the hospital was nothing short of extraordinary. I want to give back to the team that gave us so much.\u201d<\/p>\n