Hartlepool fundraiser plans one-day challenge - in a onesie!

The Hartlepool 48-year-old aims to drive with his friend William Mundell from Land’s End to John o’Groats in a pick-up truck inside a day - dressed in a onesie.

Along the way, they hope to face tasks such as being hauled into the air on a cherry picker and spending time in a police station cell.

Challenge Mann-eka will hopefully raise £2,000 to be shared between town charities Families First and the Sea Cadets. Tony and William, from Ilkeston, will get under way on March 25.

“The pair of us will be dressed in our onesies and it’s a crazy day out,” said Tony.

It’s all a typically big-hearted gesture from Tony who is well known for his support of worthy causes. In the last year alone, he has;

l Built an A-Frame to collect all the Teddy Bears and flowers which were donated by the public during the Follow The Balloons event, held for tragic two-year-old Jacob Jenkins.

l Played a part, along with fellow community campaigner Stephen Picton, in the seafront bench which was unveiled as a tribute to Jacob.

l Was part of Team Teesside which helped flood victims in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire.

Tony’s efforts have seen him nominated for a Best of Hartlepool award. The nomination said: “He always stands up and throws himself forward. This man has a huge heart and helps many many charities across town.”

Tony, who works as a security officer, said: “It’s a case of giving something back. I don’t like to see anyone stuck for anything.”

And when told he had been nominated for an award, he said: “I am a little bit surprised.

“All I do is go in, get the job done and I don’t do it for reward or recognition.”

The Best of Hartlepool awards are being held in association with Niramax, and in which Specsavers, Stagecoach North East and Hart Biologicals are category sponsors.

The deadline for entries is Saturday, April 2. Judges will draw up a shortlist before the grand finale at the Hardwick Hall Hotel on Tuesday, April 26.

To nominate send your name, address and telephone number, the name of the business or person you wish to nominate, along with their address, telephone number and email (if known)

State which category your nomination applies to (from the list of categories) and provide a description of the reasons for your nomination (no more than 300 words)

Post your nomination to: Nicola Meldrum, Alexander House, Second Floor, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland. DH4 5RA alternatively email [email protected] or [email protected]

To support Tony on Challenge Mann-eka, contact 07915 534547.

He would especially like to hear from any business wanting to take advertising space on the side of his pick-up truck for the Land’s End to John o’Groats journey.