Al Sylvesters – Book A walk to freedom.

A walk to freedom book just out

Last year my good pal Al Sylvester in 2014  wrote:

“As I approach the conclusion of my 31 years in the RAF, on 16th August 2014 I will embark on a 900 mile unsupported “Walk to Freedom” between Lands End to John O’Groats carrying around 40 lbs including my food, tent and spare equipment.I’m planning to walk the route in less than 5 weeks and cover an average of 30 miles a day.  Not wanting to miss an opportunity, I’m walking the route in aid of the Prospect Hospice in Swindon, which is where Dean Singleton ex RAF Mountain Rescue Service and Wiltshire Constabulary was looked after in his final few weeks before losing his battle with Cancer.

Having recognised the first class care that the wonderful staff in the Prospect Hospice provided Dean and his family, I felt that this walk could raise much needed funds to help future patients receive such outstanding personal care.”

The end

 

Dean Singleton was a typical Mountain Rescue Troop full of fun and very low key, he enjoyed the mountains but most of all he loved the troops and the banter and was a real character. After he left the RAF he married Linzi  and had a lovely family two daughters Holly and Charlotte, life was good and then unfortunately died of cancer after a long illness. During this period Dean  and the family had great support from the Prospect Hospice who cared for him and his family through these dark days. His great pal Al Slyvester on leaving the RAF decided to walk from Lands End to John O Groat’s in memory of Dean. Al has camped very night and walked mainly unsupported apart from a few friends who visited on route. On the route I met him on a few occasions and also met Deans’s lovely wife Linzi who has been there all the way amending his route and updating it on this huge journey and been the main contact/ organiser. Al had lost his big toes and thumbs on a previous expedition to the South Pole and this is not a simple walk for him it was a huge journey physically and mentally.

As Linzi says in the introduction of the book it was an emotional rollercoaster lasting 39 day. Its a great book why not buy one?

 

If you want acopy contact Al on alsylvester@yahoo.co.uk all proceeds go to his charity,