Former church minister walks 88 miles in his 88th year to help community in Milton Keynes

The Rev John Reardon has undertaking the challenge despite suffering from sciatica pain.

He said: "“The walk is slow because the sciatica is rather acute, but so far I've walked just over 79 miles."

He is raising money for the Mead Centre, a community building project in his home town of Newport Pagnell.

The new centre will create space for people who would normally find themselves on the margins of society to come together, build relationships and find a sense of community.

John, who is a member of Newport Pagnell United Reformed church, said: "I realise that there are so many good causes that people are supporting but the Covid-19 crisis persuades me that there are many lonely people who long to connect with others.

"The Mead Centre will provide an impetus towards a more inclusive community in which the lonely, those on the margins of society, those with disabilities, and all ages will be able to connect with others and find support and purpose.”

John has been awarded an OBE for his services to the community. He was the former United Reformed Church Deputy General Secretary from 1983 to 1990 and has also served as Moderator of URC General Assembly as well as and General Secretary of Council of Churches for Britain and Ireland.

He has been part of the Mead Centre Team since the project began raising funds more than six years ago.

Phase one of the building work, to complete a watertight shell, has been paid with the £670,000 raised so far, but another £450,000 is needed to start phase two and fit out the building

"We are working with other charities and seeking to build relationships so that when the Mead Centre building is open, the work of the project is already well underway”, said the Revd Jenny Mills, the URC Minister.

“We have been working really hard in lockdown and have seen an explosion of fundraising and

awareness raising events. I even did a three-hour hour fit-a-thon!"

The Mead Centre will be open to people from all over the Milton Keynes area, providing fully accessible changing facilities, a sensory room as well as a large hall, catering standard kitchen and meeting rooms.

You can support the Mead Centre project by sponsoring John here .

To find out more about the Mead Centre or listen to its podcasts click here .