THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THE SHOWERS AT THE YMCA

I thought that headline would grab your attention. But it's true, unexpected things can happen in the oddest places.

A few weeks ago, I had just completed a spinning session or some such at the local YMCA and had gone to take a shower on the premises. There was another chap in there, of about my age. We got to talking about exercise and of course I didn't fail to mention that I had done a 9,000 mile walking project and that I had written a book about this and that I frequently gave illustrated talks about it, all to raise funds and awareness for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

He said, "Do you have a card? My wife's group are always looking for speakers and this sounds right up their street!" Of course, although I try to always carry my "Vic Talks The Walk" cards, ready for opportunities like this, I had to restrain my eagerness until I was dried off and back to my clothes. Things moved quite rapidly, within a day or two it was all arranged, and last Tuesday evening I gave the talk to the ladies and raised a bit more money for the cause.

Most of my talks are to closed groups like this, but don't forget there is a public "Vic Talks The Walk" at St Anne's Library, on the Fylde Coast, at 7 pm on Friday 29th July.

WHY DID I WALK SEVENTEEN AND A HALF MILLION STEPS IN ONE CHALLENGE?

Gay and I with part of the display at St Anne's Library

One way to find out the answer is to come along to St Anne's Library at 7 pm on 29th July.

Although this is a talk about me undertaking a massive project to raise funds and awareness for Pancreatic Cancer UK, it is not a talk about cancer. I will tell you why, to celebrate my 70th birthday, I trained for two years, then walked, mainly alone, for 70 days from the Pyrenees to the Pennines. And things seen, people met, and non too deep thoughts along the way.

I have, of course, delivered this illustrated talk to many organisations and clubs now, along with one or two libraries. It has been well received. This is a rare chance to see an event open to the public, and I would like to see you there.

BACK TO WORK

Enough of this pussyfooting around, doing the Lancashire Coastal Walk and Wainwright's Coast to Coast Walk!

Back to spreading the word and earning some cash for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Because of the above, there has been a bit of a lull in Vic Talking The Walk lately. Now I have several talks lined up and lots more at the "let's agree a date" stage.

Most of these talks are to clubs and societies, for their own members. But on 29th July there is just the talk you are waiting for - open to all - at St Annes Library.

If you want to know why somebody should walk 9,000 miles at the age of 70 - get your name down now!