Johnny’s 136 mile walk to raise funds for Stockport social care charity
29 Nov 2024
4 min read
We hear the story of Johnny Shepard, a supported person who walked 136 miles to raise money for Supportability, a Stockport-based social care organisation.
Johnny Shepard, a dedicated walker and person supported by Stockport’s Supportability, has gone above and beyond to make a difference for those around him. Over the course of October and November, Johnny set out on an ambitious challenge to walk 136 miles, all to raise funds for a new games console for the charity’s day centre.
Supportability has been a part of the Stockport community since 1953, providing essential support to individuals with a wide range of complex physical and learning disabilities.
What started as a modest 100-mile goal turned into a 136-mile journey, as Johnny, accompanied by support workers, trekked through areas like Reddish Vale Country Park, the Middlewood Way, Macclesfield Canal, and Stockport town centre. Equipped with his Map My Walk app, Johnny tracked his progress every step of the way.
So far, Johnny has raised over £300, and donations are still being accepted to help buy games for the console, ensuring that everyone at Supportability can enjoy a range of activities from virtual bowling and tennis to quizzes and puzzles.
Supportability hopes the console will provide a fun activity for those being supported but is also confident it will help build social connections, improves motor skills, enhances creativity and sharpens cognitive abilities.
Now, after a month of walking through wind and rain, Johnny is taking a well-deserved rest. But the impact of his efforts will continue to be felt, as his fundraising inches closer to providing new, inclusive experiences for his friends.
If you would like to contribute to Johnny’s campaign and help fund more games, donations are still open, and every bit will bring more smiles to those at Supportability.
Jane Porter, one of the support workers who joined Johnny on his walks, couldn't be prouder:
Print this page