Albert Walton’s 75th year challenge: A journey of dedication and hard work

In 2023, Albert Walton, a valued Site Inspector at Harwood, celebrated his 75th birthday by embarking on a series of physical challenges to raise funds for Mesothelioma UK, a charity that supports people affected by this cruel disease.

With many highs and lows along the way, Albert has recently completed all of his 7.5 gruelling challenges (a challenge for each decade). For many, just one of these challenges would prove a tall ask. Still, Albert saw age as no obstacle as he undertook a series of gruelling challenges, and we’re proud of the dedication and determination Albert has shown throughout.

Here, we look at some of the highlights of the challenges, the support he has received from others, and the importance of the charity in supporting those affected by the cruel disease.

Where it all began

Back in 2023, Albert set his sights on completing a series of tough challenges to raise awareness for the charity. With a £7,500 target in mind to raise, Albert began his first challenge of 7.5 in March 2023, which was a walk from Southwark Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral by the old Pilgrim’s Way route covering over a hundred miles in four days.

Challenge highlights

Albert has shown dedication to reaching his end goal, achieving things that most wouldn’t in their 75th and 76th year. There were many high points throughout the challenges and many proud moments. Reflecting on some of his achievements, Albert said:

“The high points of the challenges for me personally were completing my first half marathon at 75 and a triathlon at 76. This is particularly pleasing for me as although I have always been a keen walker and have done quite a bit of cycling over the years; I only started running to prepare for this set of challenges.”

“Truly memorable experiences tackling challenges with others”

Albert has seen so much support through his challenges, whether that’s been through generous donations, company sponsors, those who have cheered him on during one of his challenges or being joined by others. Albert comments:

“I’ve had some truly memorable experiences tackling challenges with others. For example, when I swam across the Swale, my younger sister Diane and my good friend Garry swam the distance with me.

“For the Yorkshire Dales Three Peaks challenge, the Harwood Building Control Team and some of my friends and family joined in. In the 75k cycle time trial, Matt Hayes, Garry Birch, John Longbottom, and Dom Mulford cycled with me (I was in their slipstream most of the time).

“My wife Davina, my fantastic team member, supported me in The Trans Pennine Trail by tandem and around the Isle of Sheppey in a Kayak. These two challenges were particularly gruelling; the tandem ride had terrible weather and a long distance to cover each day, while the kayak challenge required non-stop paddling for over nine hours to cover the thirty-three miles in a single day.”

Pulling through during the tough moments

Albert set his sights on completing all the challenges in his 75th year, but the injury incurred during the cycle time trial challenge was a setback. Still, it didn’t dampen his determination to get fit and ready for the next challenges that lay ahead. Albert adds:

“The toughest of times were the four months of not being able to do any training due to sciatica were particularly frustrating, causing the challenges to run over the one year planned to do them.”

Albert got his challenges back on track by completing the kayak around the Isle of Sheppey Challenge with his wife, Davina.

A swift reminder of what it has all been about

On Sunday July 28th, 2024, Albert completed the last of his 75th-year challenges: a one-mile swim across the Swale at Harty.

Having set a target of £7500, Albert has now reached his target, raising a considerable sum for this charity. Following the completion of his final challenge, Albert was keen to point out:

“The sad truth, though, is that over the period that I have been running, walking, cycling, swimming and paddling over three thousand people have paid the ultimate price of being exposed to asbestos. Most of them succumb to Mesothelioma, which is a cancer that can only be caused by exposure to asbestos. Please spare a thought for these people, people like them and their families whom Mesothelioma UK helps and supports.”

Albert’s JustGiving page is still receiving donations for this worthy cause, and he has one final comment:

“If any of my adventures over the last year and a bit have inspired you in any way, you don’t have to put yourself through the same gruelling training regime or even get off the chair! Just please be generous and donate by following the link to my Just Giving Page.”

https://www.justgiving.com/page/albert-walton-1673094432701

“Many thanks again for all your support.”

“Every now and then one person’s efforts to support our work stops us all in our tracks, you have absolutely done that.”

 Liz Darlison, CEO at Mesothelioma UK

Albert’s great work hasn’t gone unrecognised by the team at Mesothelioma UK. CEO, Liz Darlison, comments:

“I am so inspired and to be honest blown away by your support. You have the energy and ability clearly of someone of 25 never mind 75. That aside, just having the imagination and commitment to do all that you have done is just amazing.  Every now and then one person’s efforts to support our work stops us all in our tracks, you have absolutely done that.  Your efforts really do lift the morale of the team, you make us want to work harder and do more. Thank you so so much.”

An inspiration to all

At Harwood, we couldn’t be prouder of what Albert has achieved over these past 16 months. David Woodward, CEO at Harwood, says:

“Albert’s story has been a true inspiration. His resilience and determination have left us all in awe. We have been following his journey and supporting his efforts to raise funds for Mesothelioma UK. His commitment and dedication to such a vital cause are truly admirable and serve as a source of inspiration for us all. “

“His journey has helped raise awareness of the risks associated with asbestos exposure in the construction industry and has raised a significant amount of money for the charity.”

Read about Albert’s challenges in more detail here:

From Peaks to Paddles: There’s No Stopping Albert’s Charitable Dedication – Harwood

Albert’s proving a champion in his charity challenge – Harwood