by Alan Quick

A CREDITON man who completed a 100-mile sponsored walk in five days has presented a bumper cheque for £2,580 to the Bramble Children’s ward at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Ron Stagg, who was 60 on April 19, said that to mark his “milestone” birthday, he wanted to raise funds for the ward which “had been really good to my family over many years.”

Ron, of Westernlea, Crediton, completed his challenge on April 29 and 30 and May 1, 2 and 3, a family member or friend walking with him along parts of the route.

Before Ron handed over his cheque he explained: “It was the hardest thing I have ever done but it has left me with a lot of fond memories.

“I would like to thank all my family for their support. My three sons were an inspiration to me during the walk.

“Thank you to friends and people who don’t even know me for their generous donations.

“Thank you to cousin Trevor and work colleague, “Plugger” who walked part of the route with me.

“I would also like to thank everyone at Chris Hodgson Engineering who donated a lot towards the total, and thanks to Sue who took charge of the sponsor form.

“Also thanks to Kaye for her support before and during the walk.”

Mr Stagg added that he was “staggered” to raise more than £2,500 in donations.

Ron’s grandson, Jake (6), is treated at the hospital for a rare condition every two weeks.

Ron works at Chris Hodgson Engineering at Hollocombe, near Winkleigh, and walked a route from Crediton to Newton Abbot, Totnes to Dartmouth and Starcross to Exeter Quay.

The money is to be used to help pay for equipment for a recently opened play area for children at the ward.

Sarah Haywood, Senior Nurse for Paediatrics, Bramble Ward, said: “We’re really grateful to Ron for all his efforts.

“He’s raised a fantastic amount and it will make a big difference.

We’ve received some brilliant support to help us refurbish our outdoor play area. It’s thanks to people like Ron who have put in all the hard work fundraising that we’ll be able to provide such a wonderful facility for our patients and their families.” 

Ron was invited to attend the grand opening of the new outdoor play area on Wednesday, May 25.