ALTRINCHAM Garrick stalwart Richard Sails was the last to appear on its stage on March 17, the day before it closed due to coronavirus.

He gave a talk about his walk from Land’s End to John O’Groats last year which was fraught with problems.

He started from Land’s End on April 18, 2019 and arrived in Kington, near Hereford, four weeks later. There he spotted a nasty mark on his skin as well as suffering from flu and quickly returned to Sale.

With his medical problems sorted, he resumed his journey from Kington on June 29, reaching John O’Groats on September 3.

Including the money raised in March, he now has a total of £6,870 for two charities.

One is Marie Curie and he said: “My wife, Stella, died from cancer four years ago, spending her last few days at home with me.

“The relief when a Marie Curie nurse came was incredible, thus my choice.

“I am keen to support my other charity, the MS Society because they gave my daughter, Emma, a treatment which has made her symptom-free.”

Following a career mostly in local government, Richard trained to become a professional actor at the age of 55.

He attended the Arden School of Theatre, cushioned by his pension but, after a nine to five job the unpredictability of acting was hard.

“If I got work, it was a bonus,” he said.

He gained parts in Corrie but his most prestigious role was as Polonius in Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, at the old Library Theatre.

He also has experience in making films.

He joined the Garrick in 1980 and has appeared in 60 shows. He has happy memories of taking part in Educating Rita, Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell and the History Boys.

To donate to Richard’s charities then check out the website justgiving.com/teams/RichardMLC38-LEJOG