Veteran race walker to pound the hills for charity

Fundraiser Edmund Shillabeer is attempting to become the oldest person to complete an 85-mile walk in less than 24-hours for assistance dog charity Canine Partners.

Determined Edmund, 75, has signed up to the Isle of Man Parish Walking Race and will trek mainly uphill and down dale for around 20 hours continuously on Saturday 20 June.

The vet, who has never missed a scheduled day at his Harwell Veterinary Centre in 45 years, hopes to raise £2,500 which will enable the Charity to train more assistance dogs, transforming the lives of people with disabilities.

Canine Partners trains dogs to perform tasks such as opening and closing doors, undressing, pressing buttons, retrieving items, unloading washing machines, taking card and cash from ATMs and other everyday tasks that disabled people find difficult, painful or impossible to do for themselves.

Edmund, of Peverell, Plymouth, said: “Now that I am 75, I aim to be the oldest finisher.

“I am walking in aid of Canine Partners because I hope to facilitate more disabled heroes from our area having a helpful trained companion."

Canine Partners was formed in 1990 so is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year.  They have partnered 530 assistance dogs across the UK to date.  These amazing dogs have changed the lives of those they are helping: restoring independence, giving family members peace of mind, allowing their disabled partners to return to work and even saving lives by responding in emergencies.

Edmund finished seventeenth in 2009 when only 187 of the 1,276 finished the brutal course. He did it in a time of 17 hours 51 minutes and 8 seconds – the fastest debut time by a visitor on the very hilly course.

He added: “I think the key to my walking success is maintaining a positive attitude and also all those practice walks I do with two dogs, my Jack Russell Tippy and my granddaughter's collie cross Peaches.”

To sponsor Edmund visit justgiving.com/edmund-shillabeer3.

If you would like to complete an event or challenge in aid of Canine Partners please contact Holly Bryan on 01730 716013 or hollyb@caninepartners.org.uk.