Preston Guild Wheel Walk on Good Friday in memory of Keenan Arya

Walkers gathered for a previous year of the Preston Guild Wheel Walk. Pic: Simon Bracewell

The Preston Guild Wheel Walk is returning for the eighth year running on Good Friday.

Each year people from the Leyland community come together to complete the 21-mile walk in support of those who may have lost loved ones in recent years.

This year, the event is fundraising for St Catherine’s Hospice and SUDEP Action, the UK’s only charity specialised in supporting and involving people bereaved by epilepsy – following the death of Keenan Arya , 21, from Leyland.

On the event Facebook page, organiser Chris Pilkington said: “The reason I have chosen these important organisations this year, is after having devastating news in September last year of the tragic loss of our good friend Keenan Arya to epilepsy.

‘’Keenan was a kind-hearted and fun-loving son to our good friends Gareth and Tracy, a brother to Olivia and best friends with all his close pals who truly miss him.’’

This years event is dedicated to Keenan Arya. Pic: Gareth Arya

He said: ‘’In Keenan’s honour the family would like to bring everyone together with different organised events and this is why the Guild Wheel Walk is dedicated to Keenan.’’

Registering for the event starts at 8am on Friday 29 March at the Royal British Legion on Leyland Road, Penwortham.

Start times are staggered depending on whether walkers are choosing to complete the full 21 miles or joining in later in the day.

Walkers can choose from three different distance options:

21 miles – 9am start at the Royal British Legion on Leyland Road, Preston.
14 miles – 11.30am start at the Ancient Oak pub, Cottam
7 miles – 1.45pm start at Bluebell Way Services, Preston

Walkers completing the Preston Guild Wheel Walk in a previous year. Pic: Chris Pilkington

Mr Pilkington said: ‘’We ask for £10 as a donation on the day to get involved with the walk.

‘’I know it’s a mental battle in parts but speaking to people helps and at the end of the day it’s a friendly, welcoming community’’.

Mr Pilkington is also part of Leyland Trucks Helping Hand, a charity run by Leyland Trucks employees who support the event each year.

Over the last eight years, the Preston Guild Wheel Walk has raised nearly £20,000 for various local charities.

These include St Catherine’s Hospice, Derian House Children’s Hospice, Baby Beat, Lancashire Mind, NF1 Army, and Rainbow Hub.

Samantha Jones, who has helped organise and taken part in previous years, said: ‘’It’s probably one of the nicest, and most enjoyable fundraising events.

‘’It’s just fantastic and I’ll guarantee you’ll enjoy it.’’

She added: “Family members and friends enjoy doing it in memory for a sense of giving back and remembering loved ones.’’

You can support the Preston Guild Wheel Walk via their JustGiving page.

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