Tufnell limps through the 300 mile mark
by Alan Rowley, 31st May 2004

Phil Tufnell and friends today hobbled through the 300 mile mark and into Derbyshire on his epic 500 mile walk for Macmillan Cancer Relief. The former Test player, his fellow walkers and his small army of helpers limped into Parwich, some three hours behind schedule.

Phil Tufnell and fellow walkers pick their way gingerly over Parwich's cobbled car park

The walkers had to endure a gruelling 26 mile walk through the southern Peak District on the journey up from Stoke. Heavy Bank Holiday traffic did little to help, but the walkers were in remarkably high spirits as they walked into the picturesque Derbyshire village.

Singing as they walked through the village, the party were greeted by enthusiastic villagers, one who commented: "It's brightened up my Monday afternoon." A crowd of around a hundred greeted Tufnell as he strode over the cobbled car park onto the cricket field. Many had waited all afternoon as the gruelling conditions and warm weather put the walk well behind schedule.

Just what you need after a 26 mile walk in the Derbyshire hills

Tufnell grimaces in agony watched by fiancee Dawn Brown

Visiting team Bishop's Cliff, from the Shropshire area, had already thrashed the home side in an annual friendly match when the walkers finally arrived. Fortunately, there were still a few sausages left on the barbecue for Phil and his party to enjoy. As soon as Phil saw the barbecue, he made a bee-line for it and tucked into a hot dog, washed down with a pint of lager.

Phil Tufnell with his fellow walkers at the finishing line in Parwich

Despite tiredness and badly aching feet, Phil was still willing to sign autographs and pose for photos with the locals and the visiting side. Fiancee Dawn was with the celebrity, and she enjoyed a welcome glass of wine at Phil's side.

With autograph hunters satisfied, Phil finished his beer and headed off to his hotel for an early night ahead of another gruelling 23 mile slog to Hathersage. The entourage then leaves Derbyshire for South Yorkshire before returning to the county on the 10th June when they arrive at Wirksworth.