Master Furniture Maker triumphs in 100+ mile walk for charity

David Woodward, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, has completed a 100+ mile hike of the Grand Union Canal and raised £10,000 for the charity as part of the Step 2 It campaign.

David set off from Gayton Junction, Northamptonshire on Friday 1 April and spent nine days walking the famed route, which links Birmingham to London and passes through rolling countryside, industrial towns and peaceful villages. 

He was joined for the entirety of the challenge by his wife, Anne Woodward, daughter and son-in-law, Lizzie and Chris Shaw, and Past Master Tony Smart MBE, who operated the support narrow boat. Throughout the week, friends and other members of the Furniture Makers joined David at different points along the journey to keep him company.

David’s walk culminated at Furniture Makers’ Hall in the City of London on Sunday 10 April. He was met by a welcoming party that included honorary liveryman and former Sheriff of London Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli.

Alderman Mainelli kindly presented David with an award of achievement and commemorative paperweights to Anne, Lizzie, Chris and Tony for their support.

David’s total travelling distance for the challenge was 110 miles or a whopping 218,939 steps. The event was the final fundraiser planned for the Step 2 It campaign, which has been running since May 2021 and finishes at the end of April. Step 2 It has encouraged companies and individuals to organise sports-based challenges in aid of the charity. The total amount raised for the Step 2 It campaign will be announced in May 2022, but the figure has already surpassed the charity’s £250,000 target.

David Woodward, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “I am so proud of the team that made the canal walk the success it was. I was incredibly well supported by my family and friends who joined the walk on different days. Despite all manner of weather, we had fun and the camaraderie was second to none. Thank you to everyone who donated to the charity in support.”

The Master has raised just over £10,000 but there is still time to donate through JustGiving: https://bit.ly/MasterCanalWalk