A LOCAL businessman is stepping up to raise £20,000 for a long-serving colleague who lost his life savings after a string of serious health issues. 

Anthony Wonnacott, Director General Manager at South West Galvanizers Ltd, is walking 20 miles on June 19 for Crediton man, Byron Buckingham who — after battling cancer, having a lung removed, and suffering a stroke followed by three seizures — lost most of his life savings after the builder he employed went into administration.

Anthony explained: “I’ve been lucky enough to work with Byron for 26 years and I can’t put into words the admiration I have for him and his determination to live life fully.

“After battling cancer and having a lung removed, he was determined to get back to work, but unfortunately he suffered a stroke and lost the use of his left side.”

To make life a bit easier, Byron employed a local builder to complete some essential work at his home, but before it was complete the builder went into administration, along with £40,000 of Byron’s life savings. The work that was done was condemned by the building inspector and his home is still left in much need of attention. 

Anthony added: “On June 19 I’m walking 20 miles to raise money for Byron and his family so that essential works can be re-done on their home.

“Please consider donating and helping me to support a great employee, colleague, and friend.”

For more information, please visit Anthony’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/anthonywalkingforbyron .

South West Galvanizers Ltd is part of Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, the largest hot-dip galvanizing organisation in the UK with a history dating back more than 150 years. It has 14 plants strategically placed across the country, the firm offers a truly national galvanizing service.