Going walkies for Air Angels

Feb 21 2010 Sunday Sun

TRUSTING Paul Burgum plans to rely solely on handouts from strangers as he embarks on a 400-mile trek for charity.

The ambitious 30-year-old and Patterdale Terrier sidekick Meg are aiming to walk all the way from Portsmouth to Billingham, Teesside, in aid of the Sunday Sun’s Air Angels appeal.

And apart from paying for the occasional dog biscuit Paul plans to live off the generosity of friends, family and strangers along the route.

Over the course of three weeks, ex-joiner Paul will trek through dozens of towns and villages, including Watford, Peterborough, and York.

And while nine-year-old Meg has the luxury of hopping into a backpack if her paws get tired, Paul realises he has a challenge ahead of him to walk the whole way.

As well as pulling in much needed funds for the Air Angels appeal, the walk will represent a symbolic “coming home” for Paul as he leaves behind a year of working away on the South coast.

The determined fundraiser, currently living in Seaham, said: “I was working as a joiner, so to get work me and Meg moved into a caravan near Portsmouth.

“Now I’m moving home, and this is a great way to announce it and do something worthwhile for the community.”

After suffering a tough time in the workplace Paul has quit his life of woodwork and set up his own charitable organisation.

He now plans to use Billingham Charity Trophy Events, or BCT Events, to help lift spirits around the home town he still loves.

“I remember Billingham being such a thriving place once when all the industry was going on. Now its just been left to get run down,” he said.

“You can see why youngsters act the way they do out on the streets, they’ve got nothing else to aim for.

“That’s why I’ve picked this challenge, I want to give people a jolt.

“I know it’s going to be tough but I have no doubt strangers will help me out along the way. There’s still a lot of great people in Great Britain.”