Tom Franklin: 'a bit painful'

The head of Britain’s largest walkers’ charity has given up walking.

But the move is only temporary, as Ramblers’ chief executive Tom Franklin recovers from a foot injury sustained when he had an accident on his bicycle.

The boss of the organisation, which campaigns on behalf of and represents more than 100,000 walkers in Britain, said: “Apparently I’ve damaged my metatarsals and ligaments in my left leg, having collided with a car whilst cycling home last night.  I was out walking on the South Downs with some friends yesterday – but there’ll be no more of that for a week or two, as I’m hobbling on crutches until it mends.”

Mr Franklin assured grough the injury was nothing too serious, but admitted it was a bit painful.

He is keen for any hints on how to speed up recovery as he wants to carry on taking part in the Ramblers’ 75th anniversary celebrations.

“I’m due to take part in the Wiltshire group’s 75th anniversary walk on Saturday week, along the Kennet and Avon Canal,” he said, “so really want to be better by then.”