Rainy Day People

2 May 2023

Today is the day that my LETJOG Peaks challenge at last reaches ‘Upland England’. I am writing this from Derbyshire in the Peak District, but before I post anything further on my walks I want to reflect on the cause that I am supporting in my venture, namely those in Ukraine suffering the direct effects of the conflict on the ground.

So today, with 13 ‘County Tops’ under my belt I have launched my fundraising efforts in aid of the British Red Cross’ Ukraine Crisis Appeal. One motivation behind my venture is to maintain awareness of the plight of those living and fighting on the front line, as well as the many millions of Ukrainians who (as you will have seen from the news over the weekend) continue to be targeted with air strikes, those who are missing absent loved ones, and those suffering the profound effects of displacement and a wartime economy.

I have walked a good few miles in the last couple of years for Parkinson’s UK, Mind, Cancer Research UK and The Hospice of St Francis, and many generous people and companies have supported my efforts. It is hard to ask for more, and I am very happy for those interested to support the Ukrainian cause just by following my Blog and by passing on my website details to anyone who may be interested in receiving my missives from around the UK once or twice a week.

Notwithstanding all of this, I am being asked by some friends as to the cause I am supporting; and so, for those who would like to sponsor the British Red Cross and specifically their Ukraine Crisis Appeal, simply click on the link on my Home page (above), or on the button below for direct access to my JustGiving page:

Any contributions will be greatly appreciated by the British Red Cross, and the funds raised (along with any Gift Aid) will go directly to the charity on a weekly basis. Thank you all – even a little means so much to those in need.

I will be in touch again very soon with news on my Peak District climbs.

Today’s song title heading, ‘Rainy Day People’, is chosen with those folk less fortunate in mind, particularly in Ukraine. The heading is borrowed from the 1975 title of one of the best-known compositions by veteran Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, who very sadly passed away yesterday – having listened to him a little back in the 1970s, I have rediscovered his work in recent years; such memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics, all finely delivered in a warm and mellow baritone. Long considered a national treasure, Lightfoot gained a global following that includes the likes of Bob Dylan and numerous other music artists who have covered many of his songs. Lightfoot will certainly be long remembered, as I know our thoughts continue to rest with those Rainy Day People in Ukraine, and elsewhere.