A group of friends of the late Murray Lambden are undertaking a walk in his memory to raise money for Manx charity Autism Initiatives.

All money raised is to go towards the purchase of a minibus, which will be used to help service users to attend local functions and to help them to socialise.

The trio are planning to walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall over three and a half days from May 4 to 7.

The Hadrian’s Wall path, at 84 miles, is just short of the Parish Walk distance, an event that Murray won in 1978 in a time of 16hrs:19mins:37secs.

Tony said: ’I had the great pleasure of sharing an office with Murray for a couple of years while we worked together and he and I, together with Barry Williams and Nick Smith, who also were work colleagues, would meet up every few months to break bread and discuss a wide variety of local and international topical issues.

’Murray was always excellent company and at our last meeting in March 2017 we talked about a collective trip involving some sort of challenge and Murray mooted the idea of walking Hadrian’s Wall. Subsequently we thought it would be fitting for us to attempt the walk as a tribute to Murray, whilst hopefully raising some money for charity.

’Murray was a big supporter of many charities in his usual modest, self-effacing manner and we are aware that he had a particular interest in Autism Initiatives who have recently been raising money for a mini-bus to be dedicated in his name. Hopefully the monies raised will enable them to get this project over the line.’

He addedL ’Murray was a great role model and inspiration to many, a man who was the embodiment of the word integrity. He was principled, honourable and steadfast in the pursuit of fair play. Murray was a one-off who enriched so many lives, a man that we all, like so very many people from all walks of life, felt privileged to call a friend.

’Of course, whilst the Hadrian’s Wall walk represents quite a challenge for Barry, Nick and I, in reality it would have been literally a walk in the park for Murray who wouldn’t have needed to resort to his fabled ABC diet! - He was undoubtedly the fittest, best prepared and most experienced of our group and we hope he will be smiling down on us.’

Barry said: ’Murray was a very worthy recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent Isle of Man Sports Awards and an exceptional sportsman. We will have plenty of time to reminisce on the many enjoyable times we shared with Murray and I am sure his memory will motivate us when the going gets a bit tough.’

Nick said: ’We are very much looking forward to the walk and have been doing some preparatory training over the past few months. We are very fortunate that Barry’s wife Beckie has kindly agreed to support the walk so that we won’t have to carry too much kit, as we envisage walking for about 8 hours each day.’

Marie Lambden, who recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award on Murray’s behalf, said she was delighted that his ex-colleagues were remembering him in this way and hoped they would receive plenty of support and encouragement.