Whistle for Harrogate Tom, 86, as he tackles 24-hour walk for community group

Harrogate 86-year-old Tom Skelling who is to set off on a 24-hour charity walk.

Tom Snelling will signal his arrival at the beginning of each street by blowing his whistle to encourage residents to come and give him a cheer and a wave from their doors.

The epic challenge will begin on Monday 1 June when Tom will set off from his home and walk for a total of 24 hours, finishing on what will be his 87th birthday on Wednesday, June 3.

His walk is to raise funds for the Oatlands Community Group which supplies vital support for it’s isolated and vulnerable residents and has delivered more than 400 meals since the beginning of the current lockdown..

Tom will be starting from his home, taking him up and down the Oatlands streets where he was born and still lives.

Tom said: "I’m a passionate supporter of the Oatlands Community Group, and wanted to find a way to raise funds to help them with the wonderful work they do for all the residents, especially in these difficult times.

"It will be like a trip down memory lane for me having spent all my life in the area, with the added bonus of raising money."

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Tom’s most recent donation to the group was the first crop of rhubarb from his allotment to provide rhubarb crumble to those receiving weekly food packages.

Oatlands Community Group was formed in 2016 with the aim of building community spirit and a sense of shared belonging for future generations.

Since the start of lockdown the group has provided over 400 meals, as well as activities such as VE Day celebrations where afternoon tea was delivered to over 160 houses, to make sure people don’t feel the world has left anyone isolating behind.

Donations can be made, and Tom's route found at https://www.oatlandscommunity.co.uk/tom

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