A 90-Year-Old Hero Walks 90 Miles to Support Domestic Abuse Survivors

Ninety-year-old Derrick Downs inspires with his 90-mile charity walk, raising over £9,000 for domestic abuse victims as he spreads hope and resilience.

In an inspiring display of determination and kindness, 90-year-old Derrick Downs from Margate is undertaking an incredible 90-mile charity walk, having already exceeded his fundraising target within just two days.

His mission is dedicated to raising funds for Oasis, a charity that provides invaluable support to victims of domestic abuse.

Journey Begins

Derrick kicked off this ambitious journey on his birthday, starting from Dover on a Wednesday.

He has pledged to cover 10 miles each day over the next nine days.

As donations continue to pour in, he’s thrilled to report that he has raised over £9,000 so far, with hopes of doubling that total.

Overcoming Challenges

Reflecting on his experience, Derrick described how the outpouring of support has enhanced the joy of his endeavor.

Inspired by the encouragement from others, he is now eager to surpass his fundraising expectations.

On the challenge’s second day, he faced less-than-ideal weather while making his way from Folkestone to the quaint village of Brabourne.

Despite trudging through muddy paths and sporadic rain, Derrick completed this stretch in a mere four and a half hours.

Although the terrain posed difficulties, he managed to keep his spirits high despite the wind.

Looking Ahead

With the third day approaching, Derrick remains optimistic, even with a yellow weather warning for strong winds in place.

He even suggested that the breeze might lift his spirits and aid his progress, as he eagerly anticipates the next legs of his journey.

Juliette Lyons, a spokesperson for Oasis, praised Derrick for his impressive speed and ability to reach his daily goals ahead of schedule.

She described him as an inspiring figure, embodying the remarkable commitment he shows to this important cause.

Derrick plans to finish his awe-inspiring 90-mile trek back in Margate on January 30th.

He looks forward to celebrating not just his personal achievement but also the incredible generosity that has made his journey so meaningful.

Source: Bbc