VOLUNTARY UK events walker Clive Lewis from Stonelea, New Hedges, has recently returned home after completing his 15th event, walking a section of the Grand Union Canal towpath as well as the Queen's Greenway and 1977 Silver Jubilee Walkway on the north and south banks of the Thames.

Clive has already funded a blood machine for the Sunderland ward of South Pembs Hospital from earlier sponsorship back in the autumn of 2010. Dr. Bhari and staff were very grateful for this item for anti-coagulation therapy patients. The machine has now been commissioned.

Clive told us that the events are like a therapy for him as the real demanding work is his coverage of the county to reach up-front targets to be in a sound position to purchase major non-NHS machines, sensors, monitors and any auxilliary equipment that is so urgently needed in the local hospitals, clinics and surgeries. Usually a minimum figure of £4,500 to £5,000 is required for each occasion.

From the sponsors he has met for this last series of walks, he also hopes to provide funding for Withybush Hospital and hopefully the Argyle Medical Group of Pembroke Dock, Pembroke and Neyland clinics. He is liaising with these at the moment.

One footnote: As the walker is also a member of the RSPB, he is in the ideal position to keep a lookout for rare varieties of birdlife and contacts this organisation with any unusual sightings. The green woodpecker still eludes him, however!