Introduction
We have both wanted to do a challenge which would not only make a difference to us physically but will make a difference to those fighting Cancer and also support our son’s schools.
We chose Hadrian’s Wall because it is 20 years since Carole’s father, Peter Woollacott, passed away and as history was a passion of his, walking Hadrian’s Wall felt like a fitting tribute to his memory. It is somewhere he always wanted to visit and in the last few years has become a National Trail.
Cancer Research UK
In choosing Cancer Research UK we wanted to show our support of a very close friend who was battling cancer. On Wednesday 18th June she lost her battle. She was just 46 years old and leaves a husband and son. She was a very loving and giving person with a real appetite for life. Even though she was suffering, she was the first to sponsor us when we launched our just giving web page.
This walk is even more imperative now that she is no longer with us. We want to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK, so that early detection and improved treatments will mean that others do not have to face what our friend and her family have gone through.
Our son’s schools
Both of our sons attend special needs schools and both schools are actively fundraising for equipment . As these schools are so specialised and numbers of pupils are small ,fundraising can be quite a challenge for them. We want to do our part to support their activities.
Walking Hadrian’s Wall
We have decided to take the most popular itinerary, which covers the whole walk in 6 walking days. We have detailed a breakdown of each stage of our walk. We will be walking east to west, starting in Newcastle and finishing at Bowness.
|
Day |
Overnight |
Dist. |
|
4th July |
Newcastle |
0m |
|
5th July |
Heddon |
12m |
|
6th July |
Wall |
17m |
|
7th July |
Once Brewed |
12m |
|
8th July |
Walton |
18m |
|
9th July |
Carlisle |
11m |
|
10th July |
Bowness |
15m |
We will be taking Carole’s laptop and will be able to leave blog messages each evening to up date you on our progress…….so please check in!
Our Preparations
Since taking on this challenge we have both tried to fit in walks into our daily lives as much as possible. We know that we have to walk for 6 days up to 18 miles a day. This means we have to build stamina to keep going everyday.
Quite a daunting prospect!!!
Carole walks her dog Monty everyday and Jenny has been walking her daughter to school as much as possible. We have both tried to do longer walks at the weekends as well.
In the lead up to the actual trek we have been fitting in a series of two day walks as well. We have had our own fitness trainer with us on each walk – Monty – who, being the only male in the group has generally stayed in front and led by example. Though we both decided not to roll in the mud or smell the local cow pats!!!
Supporting Us…
If you haven’t donated we would very much welcome your support.
To give to Cancer Research UK please go to the following link:
www.justgiving.com/caroleandjenny
To give to Jenny’s son’s school please go to:
www.heritagehouseschool.co.uk/supportingtheschool
To give to Carole’s son’s school please make cheques payable to Stony Dean School and send to:
Orchard End Avenue,
Amersham,
Bucks.
HP7 9JW
Please come back to our site each day and find out how we get on.
It would be great to know people are thinking of us.
Carole and Jenny