North West Adventures

Derek and new friends after morning worship in Preston.

Washing down post RNLI crew practice session, with Blackpool Tower watching on.

After last Sunday's service, Central Methodist Church in Preston wrote on their Facebook page, "It was great to have Derek of Derek Treks Britain join us for our morning worship! It was lovely to hear about his travels and ongoing journey. God bless you Derek and safe travels!" Not only that, but they had an impromptu collection and added another £60 plus to his fund-raising for the RNLI, BHF, and Cancer Research UK.

Before reaching Preston, on the River Ribble, 81-year old Derek had started this leg of his trek in the Wirral and took a ferry across the Mersey. The Derek Treks Britain Facebook page has video evidence of him actually being allowed to take the helm for a while. Happily, no casualties were reported!

From Preston, it was on to the Fylde coast, currently in the news for its suspended MP. The day Derek trekked to Blackpool, there was national coverage. Alas, this was about the threat to Blackpool's rock factories from cheap Chinese imports, not to Derek's trek. But whilst in Blackpool, he was invited to observe the RNLI crew put through their paces with a lively practice session. Our mole on the ground informs us that thereafter, "Derek entertained the troops", understandable given the rich vein of fascinating stories he has to tell. "His life has definitely not been boring!", was the verdict.

Moving on up the coast, Derek is already in sight of the hills of the Lake District. We wish him God speed on his journey and extend our thanks to his wife Sue, daughter Amy and son Toby for their interesting and informative daily updates on the Derek Treks Britain Facebook page.

If you want to support Derek in his fund-raising endeavours, click here, to go to his Just Giving page.