Ridgewell man, 73, walks over 3 million steps for charity

Founder of the Martin Academy charity Terry Martin, 73, has lived in Ridgewell, near Halstead, for more than a decade.

For almost seven years, the Martin Academy has fully funded the purchase of land, and the building of school blocks in Malawi, in East Africa.

School blocks now have classrooms for preschool and primary school-aged children, with all pupils in primary education from the age of six until they turn 14.

Terry said: “This has taken place over the past six years, and I estimate the cost to be in the region of £40,000.

“We also have a sponsorship programme for children of families who cannot afford their child's education.

Pre-school maths lesson in Malawi school, funded by the Martin Academy (Image: Terry Martin) “At present we have 27 children sponsored by friends in the UK.

“We always have children on our list for sponsorship.

“Now I am concentrating on raising funds for particular projects to enhance the school.

“These include the building of a kitchen, re-decorating all the of school inside and out, and the commencement of building a school hall.”

In support of his plans, Terry began walking every day earlier this year to raise funds for the charity.

So far, Terry has walked more than  3,5 million steps, the equivalent to 1,866 miles, and has raised more than £1,500 to support the charity’s next project.

He added: “I'm walking daily, between Ridgewell and Ashen, Birdbrook and Stambourne.

“I try to vary the routes each day - usually 25 per cent road walking and 75 per cent cross country walking and hiking.

“I often take my dog with me.

“Malawi is a developing country in East Africa, and I visited the school we are building in September.

“It's very heartwarming, satisfying and humbling to raise funds to improve the education of children in Malawi.”

For more information, visit www.terrymartin.org