Rutland man to walk the 65-mile Rutland Round

When it came to finding a fundraising challenge, Ian Curtis from Rutland didn’t need to look too far.

The Langham home he shares with partner, Pam Johnson, has acres of attractive countryside on the doorstep, and the 65-mile Rutland Round footpath is within easy reach.

But rather than completing the ultra-route in leisurely sections, the 54-year-old painter and decorator is setting off with a small team on Friday (September 9) to get around it in under 36 hours.

“We’re doing it as a ‘memorial challenge’ for my step-mum’s favourite charity, The Cinnamon Trust,” said Ian, who lost Alison to cancer in the new year.

“The charity helps to look after people’s pets when they no longer can.”

A fundraising page can be found here.

Ian will be walking with colleagues and family members Yvonne Dale, Jenny Johnson, Tom Roberts and John Curtis. Adam Johnson Hobbs and Ian’s partner, Pam, who works at Oakham Veterinary Hospital, will be in a supporting role.

“We’ve been out training on some of the hottest days of this summer,” said Ian, who has now walked most of the Rutland Round, but not in one go.

“The appeal is the scenery. I’ve lived in Rutland all my life but you only see more of it if you go out walking.”

Ian and the team will carry plenty of water and a copy of Morcott author John Williams’ walking guide, The Rutland Round, aiming to get most of the distance covered today (Friday) and tomorrow, with a sleep in between. They will then have time on the third day to complete the challenge, if needed.

“We’re looking forward to the sense of achievement of completing it - hopefully without too many blisters,” Ian said.