Gordon goes for gold!
Gordon Wilkinson, from Felbridge, set himself a unique challenge in time for his 72nd birthday – Complete 1,000 press-ups to raise £1,000 for our hospice.
Gordon went for gold and smashed this target, completing 1,576 press-ups and raising almost £1,900 for us.
Gordon, who has been in lockdown with his wife, Brenda, came up with the idea of doing press-ups after hearing we’d had to cancel many fundraising events because of coronavirus.
Gordon said, “Being over 70, Brenda and I had to stay at home. I had the idea of doing press-ups as we could do those whatever the weather! I’ve done press-ups every day for the last 20 days. I even did one set with a shirt, tie, smart trousers and jacket in honour of Colonel Tom’s 100th birthday!
Some days were harder than others, especially if I’d been doing lots of gardening or an online exercise class. As I did my full press-ups Brenda did wall press ups alongside me so she could double-check how many I was doing. It’s been a true fitness partnership!”
Gordon ended his challenge the day before his 72nd birthday at the end of his driveway in front of his neighbours. He said, “People have shown a real interest in my challenge and doing it has given a structure to my day. It’s been really encouraging to have such wonderful support while I’ve been in lockdown. I’ve done fundraising for St Catherine’s before but nothing like this.
In 2003, I did the Jubilee 10K run in London and, a few years earlier, in 2000 we helped organise a Millennium Party for our road in Felbridge. This event also raised funds for St Catherine’s in recognition of the help that had been given to some of the residents when they were terminally ill. It’s hard for many people to imagine how difficult it is caring for someone who’s very ill. Brenda had cancer in 2003 so we have some idea of the worry it can bring, and we were so blessed that she fully recovered. At around the same time, my mother was also very ill and needed hospice care in the months before she died. The doctors, nurses and carers at St Catherine’s were truly amazing. They looked after my mother at the hospice and in her home in East Grinstead and also supported my stepfather after my mother died. They were there for all of us and provided holistic care.”
Arron Trott, Events Fundraiser at our hospice said, “We love how inventive Gordon’s been and have really enjoyed following his challenge. Now more than ever, we need the help of local people in our community. It’s only thanks to the support of people like Gordon, that we can be there for people facing the end of their lives, and we’re incredibly grateful for all of his efforts.”
To donate towards Gordon’s press-up challenge please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pushupsinthelockdown or to find out how you can take on your own challenge for St Catherine’s please click here
