John Dodd, a 70 year-old pensioner from Surbiton, performs five celebrity-sponsored charity walks each year. On December 18-23 he'll be taking to the streets of Surrey as Santa
They say you're only as old as you feel, but there's no denying the aches and pains that set in while the younger generation is still cheerfully hopping around. If it's not hangovers, it's exercise – they have all the luck.
At age 70, Surbiton's John Dodd banishes such ideas with a sweep of his walking stick – a proper one, too, a wooden shepherd's crook. He performs five charity walks each year, raising money for cause after cause, and claims he hasn't done a walk in five-and-a-half years without being sponsored.
A former film extra, John is no stranger to celebrities – and indeed, they're often among his sponsors, from Richard Attenborough to Dame Judi Dench.
"I'd say I've been sponsored by about 130 stars, throughout my time as a walker. I've no relation to Ken Dodd", he notes over the phone, "but he has sponsored me, twice! A lovely man, and very kind to his fans. I did a walk for his 82nd birthday, and it was one of the most profitable I've ever done – it raised £2580!"
"My furthest walk, I think, was up to Scotland. I managed to walk about 340 miles in my Hamilton grey kilt, past Loch Lomand, past Loch Ness, almost all the way up to Balmoral. I was sponsored by nine members of the cast of Emmerdale for that one."
At the moment he's sat in the Epsom Playhouse, to see legendary country singer Frank Ifield – he'll be doing a Walk for Frank next year, but for now is hoping to secure his support in his upcoming walk, Christmas in Surrey.
Six days of walking will start from John's home in Surbiton on December 18, moving to Richmond. Then Warrington, Purley, and Carshalton on Day 2, then Claygate, Esher, Cobham, and on and on, though Guildford and beyond, all in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, the British Red Cross, Epsom Canine Rescue and Fairy Friends in Carshalton.
John used to be a professional Father Christmas, and has spent three months regrowing a suitably bushy white beard for this walk, which he will undertake in full costume.
"I know Santa's supposed to give gifts, not accept them, but if people see me, it'd be marvellous if they could give a donation. It all goes to good causes."
Keep an eye out for John as he makes his walk – you can also donate directly to the charities through their usual channels, and add a message that it's "for John's Christmas Charity".
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