THE Duchess of Cornwall, Michael Aspel, Stephen Fry and Joanna Lumley are just some of the high profile VIP's and celebrities who are backing Antiques Roadshow expert Geoffrey Munn in his bid to raise money for the Samaritans.
THE Duchess of Cornwall, Michael Aspel, Stephen Fry and Joanna Lumley are just some of the high profile VIP's and celebrities who are backing Antiques Roadshow expert Geoffrey Munn in his bid to raise money for the Samaritans.
The BBC-1 personality is a familiar face in and around Southwold.
More recently, however, residents have seen a new side to the managing director of court jeweller Wartski, as he pounds the beach and surrounding roads as part of a tough training regime in a bid to complete the London Marathon.
Mr Munn is also a keen supporter of the Samaritans and has been an ambassador for more than 15 years as well as being the patron of the Lowestoft branch.
On April 26 he will tackle the 26.2 mile course round some of London's tourist attractions to raise funds and the profile of the Samaritans.
'Am I mad at 56?' he said. 'Come hell or high water I'll do this.'
It has long been an ambition of Mr Munn to take part in the Flora London Marathon and he has been increasing his training schedule in preparation for the 'big one'.
Last year he completed the Bristol half marathon in 2 hours 20 minutes.
Mr Munn has had plenty of encouragement from his family, friends and fellow Samaritan supporters which include the Duchess, Mr Aspel, Mr Fry and Ms Lumley.
'So many people dress up in over elaborate costumes to look ridiculous when they run marathons but Geoffrey Munn is going in the subtle, but hilarious disguise, of a middle aged man desperate to roll back the years. I'll promise the Samaritans �500 if he completes, but my money's safe. No finer man in the world to value a Faberge egg - but 26 miles, 385 yards? Never!' joked Mr Fry.
'We thought we knew Geoffrey Munn, he of the quiet word and encyclopaedic knowledge of all that glistens, well we were all wrong. Brave fool! I salute you and shall make sure your victor's tinfoil cape is studded with star sapphires. Run boy run! Your support for Samaritans inspires us all,' added Ms Lumley.
Anyone wanting to support Mr Munn and the Samaritans can visit www.justgiving.com/geoffreymunn
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