A Wirral woman has walked 5,200 miles in twelve months in honour of her brother Spencer Atkinson, former Project Director at Cammell Laird Shipyard, who died last year aged 52 of cancer. In doing so, Gina Alsopp has so far raised over £7,000 for Wirral Holistic Care Services.
Gina said that the money will be spent on garden furniture for patients using the centre and on art therapy classes in Spencer’s name. Something he found very therapeutic, and used a lot to help those with PTSD.
There was a large turnout along the promenade in New Brighton on Sunday 30 May 2021 when Gina completed the last mile at Spencer’s memorial bench. A small gathering for family and some of his closest friends was held later in the afternoon. A raffle took place which raised £260 and his friends who had bought and arranged the bench, handed over ownership to his mum, Pat.
Nigel Lanceley High Sheriff of Merseyside was at the finish line to greet Gina along with volunteers from WHCS serving refreshments – a great start to volunteer week.
Gina said, “Spencer died on 21 May 2020, 3 weeks before his 53rd birthday, with more media coverage I think together we can make it £10,000 by his birthday on 12 June 2021. What an achievement that would be for the Wirral community!”
Gina is a decorated veteran, beginning her career as an Army cadet in Merseyside based at Chetwynd, DRLC, Oxton. Gina joined the Army in 1996 and had a distinguished career, completing many tours of duty around the globe including Bosnia, Kosovo and East Timor before retiring due to injury.
She has been nominated for an award for The Women in Defence UK Awards.
Gina continues to serve as a dedicated volunteer for the Army Cadet Force, currently as a Lieutenant, Sports Officer, Awards Officer and Cadet Vocational Qualification Organisation Officer.
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