Page 4 - Town & Around - April 2022

4 Town & Around April 2022 Tel: 01485 540620 email: editor@townandaround.net

‘Our very own Captain Tom’ – Mick Ennis

80-year-old King’s Lynn charity runner hits the 2,000 km mark
n 80-year-old runner from King’s continued to encourage other residents to keep
Lynn has clocked almost 2,000 kilo- fit.
Ametres since the start of lockdown in His association with Lavender Court goes
March 2020 in a bid to boost his health and back decades. He was the local milk man
raise money for local charities. delivering milk to residents for 18 years. He
Mick Ennis, who turned 80 last month, then delivered post to the site for four years
made a gruelling pledge in March 2020 to run as a local postman before retiring.
10 kilometres 200 times in under two years. Last summer Mick encouraged fellow
He hit that record on Monday February 21 residents to get out into the open air by
by running his final 10k in aid of the Friends organising some outdoor low impact
of the Stroke Unit in King’s Lynn. stretching and keep fit classes in the Lavender
Mick – an avid sportsman - became hooked Court gardens.
on running after joining in on King’s Lynn FirstPort Area Manager Gavin Hunter said:
parkruns in 2011. And when local athletics “I would like to send my congratulations to
club, the Ryston Runners, challenged him to Mick for his marvellous achievement. He
train and take part in the Grand East Anglia my daughter in 2015, having lost my wife a provides a shining example of the benefits
Run (GEAR) in 2012, he accepted and joined few years before. that exercise can bring.
the club. “Running has kept me going and helped me “Running a 10k can be tough for anyone
Since then, Mick has taken part in every stay mentally strong. When Covid struck and and at the grand age of 80, Mick’s
annual GEAR 10k and completed 310 we were faced with the lockdowns, we could achievement is exceptional and may
parkruns. He said: “In older age I’ve been not attend club sessions, so I set myself the hopefully encourage others of a similar age to
determined to keep myself active and as fit as challenge of running a 10k every other day. stay fit and active. Keep going, Mick - our
possible- healthy body, healthy mind as they I’m now as fit as I can be – no giving up on very own Captain Tom Moore.”
say. running yet.” Donations can be made at:
“I owe so much to Ryston Runners who Mick moved to Lavender Court – an www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mick-
have always supported me. This was independent living retirement development ennis-200
particularly the case following the death of managed by FirstPort - in 2019, where he has Photo: Ian Burt

How to pass your MOT: tips and tricks to help you prepare

Abigail Brown
f your car is more than three years old, an annual MOT test is non- open from the inside and out.
negotiable - in fact, it’s a legal requirement to ensure your car is
Iroadworthy. A car with an expired or failed MOT is illegal to drive Vehicle structure:
and could land you with a hefty fine, and even a driving ban. Check for sharp edges, loose parts, and excessive damage i.e. rising
It is estimated that around 40% of cars submitted for an MOT check or corrosion, as this could cause your car to fail.
fail the test. Here’s some quick checks you can do to improve your
chances: Under the bonnet:
Top up your brake fluid and fuel if you need to. The garage will need
Tyres and wheels: these to carry out an emission test. Check your oil levels and top up if
Your tyres should be the right shape and size, and be your standard necessary.
wheel, not a spare. Their tread depth should be a minimum of 1.6mm
across the central three-quarter of the pattern. Identify any lumps or Warning lights:
cuts? Damage to your tyres could result in your car being deemed unfit Turn your car on. If a warning light stays on, this could affect your
for use. MOT test result. Make sure the speedometer is working.

Lights: Seats:
Lights must be fitted with the correct bulbs. Check your lights. Replace These should be locked in position at all times.
any that are flickering or dim.
Seatbelts:
Wipers and windscreen: Check for frays or damage as, if present, your seatbelts will not pass.
Make sure your wipers and washer fluid are sufficient to clean the Make sure they’re secured and that they click in and out effectively.
windscreen - the driver needs to have a good view of the road at all
times. If not, replace wipers, top up your washer fluid, or unblock the Horn:
jets. Give your horn a quick toot to make sure it’s working.
Chips or cracks on the windscreen? If they’re bigger than a 5p coin,
consider getting them repaired prior to your test. Mirrors:
Clean your mirrors if they’re dirty and position them correctly. Your
Registration plates: car must have an interior rearview mirror and driver’s side mirror to
These should be fastened securely to your car and easily visible. pass.
If your number plate uses a unique font, check the government This list is not exhaustive, but it does help you prepare your car at
website to make sure it meets the requirements. least somewhat for its MOT test.
Visit www.kbrownautoskingslynn.co.uk to learn more or book your
Doors: MOT test online. Or, call us in Hunstanton on 01485 533786, or
Check that all doors close and stay closed, and that the front doors King’s Lynn n 01553 763763.