BBC's Manctopia inspires charity walk

Peter and Pat

A Stretford-based building supplies sales director is donning walking boots with a friend and walking 20 miles on Friday 18 September, to fundraise for a homeless charity after watching the BBC property series - Manctopia: Billion Pound Property Boom.

Peter Howarth and his friend of 20 years, Pat Burke, are fundraising for Cornerstone, a homeless centre in Hulme, which is part of Catholic-based charity Caritas Diocese of Salford, and will walk in a loop from Manchester to Altrincham and back again. Peter was moved to fundraise after watching the contrast between the life of property developers on the Billion Pound Property Boom and those who are homeless.

He hopes the money he raises will fund vital support work at Cornerstone and help fund for the centre's Christmas lunch.

Peter Howarth said: "In the last 20 years Manchester city centre has changed beyond recognition and is now flooded with investment money. As a consequence I've noticed more and more people are struggling to live in the region, leading to homelessness and rough sleeping. As a proud Mancunian, that doesn't rest easy with me and as I approach my 60th birthday I wanted to give back to these people and let them know the community cares.

"Some months ago, I bought lunch for a homeless guy who told me his story and it convinced me I needed to get off my backside and offer some help. I've always been taught that 'there are always those that are worse off', and wherever possible I try to help."

Mark Wiggin, Director of Caritas Salford, said: "Programmes like Manctopia - Billion Pound Property Boom serve to highlight the stark differences between rich and poor in the city and prompt us all not to forget the marginalised.

"We're still feeling the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic financially, in terms of the services we're able to provide and believe there are increased challenges yet to come - rising unemployment and debt, leading to an increase in homelessness. The funds raised by Peter and Pat will help us continue to support hundreds of disadvantaged adults at Cornerstone."

To donate to Peter's Just Giving page please visit - www.justgiving.com/Peter-Howarth60