Walking from Chippenham in tribute (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Walking from Chippenham in tribute

4:00pm Thursday 5th July 2012 in Chippenham By Tom Mooney

Friends and family of marathon runner Ken Shaw will walk from Chippenham to Calne in his memory this weekend.

Mr Shaw, who died in October last year aged 71, was a much-loved figure in Calne and at Chippenham’s Ferfoot Care Home, where he spent his final years.

Several members of his family, along with friends and care home staff, will recreate one of his favourite walks to raise money for the care home.

They will walk from Monkton Park, in Chippenham, to Castlefields Park, in Calne, and there will be a barbecue at the Jenny Wren pub afterwards to celebrate his life.

Any money raised will go towards providing activities for residents at the care home, which specifically helps people with dementia.

Tracey Hannam, activities co-ordinator at Ferfoot, said: “It was a really tough time around here when Ken died because he was such a lovely man and he was really popular. That is why we wanted to do something in his honour.”

Mr Shaw had been at the care home for four years after suffering from dementia.

His widow Janet and son Mark will be among those taking part in the walk, as well as several of his grandchildren.

Mrs Shaw, of Anchor Road, Calne, said: “When Tracey spoke to me about it, I totally agreed we should do it.

“I think it will be a really nice way to remember Ken. He did a lot of fundraising in the community with his running and it will be good to give him some recognition for that.

“He was a wonderful man and this will be a fitting tribute to him.”