The 71-year-old walked 13 London Bridges, from Battersea to Bermondsey, to raise a vital £3,000 so he can continue to help older people in Peckham write down their life stories.
Michael Holland runs a weekly Life Writing class at the Copleston Community Centre, teaching locals of all ages how to put memorable moments down on paper.
Due to funding shortages, the sessions were at risk and Michael, along with staff members and volunteers, decided to take on a challenge to raise £3,000.
On October 10, they set off on a ten mile walk from Battersea Bridge, aiming to finish at Tower Bridge four hours later..
He said: “Over half had experience of long walks. Others had never walked as far as this fundraiser required, but that did not stop them.”
The day was a huge success, with everyone completing the walk and all the funds were raised. But, the team experienced a few hiccups, which they can laugh about retrospectively.
After an initial confusion, some of the walkers ended up at Chelsea Bridge, rather than Battersea Bridge. Michael said: “It just meant that we all met up at Albert Bridge and began the walk an hour late, with some extra miles added to the planned ten miles.”
“Tracy, who survived a terrible accident a while ago, which nearly stopped her walking at all, was a good inspiration to those on the day who sometimes found it hard to continue.”
Copleston Director, Julia Honess, who was one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ walkers said, “We are so grateful for everyone who showed their support. More than 100 people donated to the fundraiser which raised more than £3,000.”
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Julia was taking calls from well-wishers and supporters throughout the day, which she passed onto the rest of the team. She also provided regular motivational updates on the donations pouring in every time the walkers showed signs of fatigue.
Michael’s sessions at the Centre aim to record memories like your first day at school, first kiss, first job, weddings, birthdays, and holidays, that can be passed down through generations.
He said: “My group ranges from 40 years old to 96 and I’ve heard some great stories, you never know what will be revealed.
He said: “My group ranges from 40 years old to 96 and I’ve heard some great stories, you never know what will be revealed.
“Recently, we heard about the time Yoko Ono dropped by to see Stella, Maureen’s journey from growing up in rural Ireland to building a life in Peckham, Ekins’s 40 years as a London bus driver, and Diane’s memories of being asked out by Prince Charles and losing an acting role to Judi Dench.”
As the Arts Correspondent at Southwark News, Michael recognises the importance of writing and recording. He videos the members reading out their memories, which are uploaded onto a private website for the writers and their families and friends to enjoy.
If the ten miles at the start of the month wasn’t enough, Michael recently returned from a walking holiday in Wales.
The team managed to raise the full amount and express their gratitude for supporters. But, you can still donate via this link to congratulate to team: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/coplestoncentre?utm_medium=CR&utm_source=CL
