Restore Rochester Castle celebrate charity status with sponsored walk

The Restore Rochester Castle campaign is pleased to announce that we have achieved charity status and are now officially recognised as the Restore Rochester Castle Charity.

We hope to raise funds, support and awareness of the castle's condition in order to bring about restoration. One of our first events is the sponsored walk/run being held this Sunday in the castle gardens.

Former Olympic Silver medallist in the 50km walk, Paul Nihill, will be taking part and the event will be formally started by Cllr. Ted Baker, former Mayor of Medway.

Local artist and Vice Chairman of the charity, Peter Reeds, says: "It's a great honour for us that Ted is starting the event on Sunday. He's supported us from the early days, as the people of Medway have done. It's taken two years – beginning with me, Chris Tong and Jon O'Donnell in February 2010 deciding that something needed to be done. We realised that the authorities don't have the money to do anything and it's up to us to save our castle for future generations. We're working closely with some very supportive people within Medway Council and are very positive about the future of our castle."

The sponsored event will be a great day and fun for all the family. If you'd like to take part, you can turn up on the day and make a donation, or else visit the website here to print off sponsorship forms. There is a second route for those with limited mobility and the event registration begins at 9.30am.

If you wish to be more involved with the group, we are always looking for volunteers to help in our office and with events and collections. If interested, email your CV to [email protected] or write to Restore Rochester Castle Charity, MHS Homes, Broadside, Leviathan Way, Chatham ME4 4LL. We're particularly keen to hear from anyone who may be retired, semi retired or unemployed and will happily give references to those needing them.