A bingo caller who lost a staggering 30 stones is weighing in to launch a new trail linking Wythenshawe’s heritage hotspots.
Charlie Walduck made headlines last year when he went from being so overweight he could not even walk 20 yards to so in shape he recently completed the New York Marathon.
His remarkable transformation came about thanks to a fitness plan devised for him by Dr Chris Steel of ITV1's This Morning with an emphasis on walking.
He will be putting his best foot forward at Wythenshawe Hall on Saturday 8 September when he officially launches the Wythenshawe Heritage Trail website as part of a weekend of heritage events in and around the hall. The site - at www.wythit-heritagetrail.btik.com - contains details of a three-mile circular heritage walk from Wythenshawe Park to Northenden and back as well as a wealth of information on the area's historic highlights.
Anyone interested in learning more about Wythenshawe's surprising history can enjoy a guided version of the trail, A Walk From The Park, on Friday 7 September (walks start 10am or 1.30pm) or Sunday 9 (walk starts 10.30am). Meet at the Cromwell statue in front of Wythenshawe Hall.
Wythenshawe has a long history - Baguley and Northenden are both mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. Heritage hotspots range from Wythenshawe Hall itself, parts of which date back to the 1540s and is said to be haunted, to the the site of the former Rackhouse Aerodrome - the country's first municipal airport.
The site also has plenty of eyebrow-raising nuggets of information, such as how landowner William Tatton met his untimely demise in the River Mersey.
There are more surprises in store as historic Wythenshawe Hall throws open its secret spaces as part of the national Heritage Open Weekend. Visitors will have the chance to explore rarely-seen nooks and crannies in a special Secret Places tour.
The tour includes the attic area, where the original Tudor beams can be seen and an opportunity to glimpse what is thought to be Tudor builder's graffiti etched into the wattle and daub!
Tours take place on Thursday 6 September and Saturday 8. Numbers on the Thursday tour are strictly limited so call Ali Davenport on 0161 9982117 or e-mail a.davenport1@manchester.gov.uk to reserve a place.
Places on the Saturday tour can be booked on the day.
Wythenshawe Hall hosts an open day from 11am-5pm on Saturday 8 September with general tours also available.
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Assistant Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "Wythenshawe is steeped in history but sometimes we overlook the gems which are right on our doorstep. The Heritage Trail and the Wythenshawe Hall Open Day provide an accessible insight into intriguing aspects of the area's past."
MEDIA CONTACT: Roger Williams, Tel: 0161 234 3275