Fundraising legend Speedomick will return to Lancaster on final epic walk

Sunday, 5 February 2023 12:11

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

A fundraising legend known for walking long distances wearing little more than a pair of swimming trunks is set to visit our local area once again.

Speedomick will be in the Lancaster area later this week as part of his final fundraising walk - a 1,000-mile trek from John O'Groats to Land's End.

Real name Michael Cullen, the iconic charity campaigner is expected to visit the city between February 9 and 11, although no details have been released yet about his route.

Speedomick has raised more than £800,000 for charity over the years and says his current journey will be his last.

Known for wearing his trademark 'speedos' and walking boots, and often his Everton Football Club hat and scarf, Merseysider Mick set off on December 29 and is aiming to walk around 15 miles per day for around three months.

En route he will be scaling the UK's highest peaks, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

He tackled Scafell Pike in the Lake District National Park, the highest mountain in England, on Saturday, joined by many supporters.

The SpeedoMick Foundation aims to provide support for young people through education, relieving poverty, or the support of mental and physical health.

"Sadly after I have finished this challenge I will be hanging up my blue knickers for ever more," said Mick.

"I have spent seven years tirelessly fundraising for charity and I'm a bit knackered now and I also want to spend more time with my loved ones as we don't have them forever do we?

"But it's not over yet, we have this last walk to complete before I say goodbye to my stomping days. I'm no spring chicken you know.

"On this next challenge I will be will be fundraising for something that is very close to my heart and that is mental health and suicide prevention.

"I have suffered from mental health most of my adult life and still do suffer from it to this day.

"The donations from this walk will going to our very first Speedomick Foundation mental health projects, something I have dreamed of doing for a long time now and it will be a dream come true for me to be able to give back to my community and support people who are suffering from mental health.

"Alongside our fundraising on this charity walk the Speedomick Foundation will also be gifting grants to small grass roots charities that support mental health, disadvantaged young people and homelessness."

Mick last visited the Lancaster and Morecambe area during a charity walk in 2021 and previously in 2020.

Here are some of the stops Mick will be making this week.