PROJECT LAUNCHED!

There are over 375,000 new cases of cancer diagnosed every single year. One in two of us born after 1960 will be one of those receiving this devastating diagnosis; 50% will survive more than ten years after diagnosis. 

That's a lot of statistics, taken from CRUK's website. They're pretty scary numbers.

To launch the project, I walked for one hour of every two - that is, 50% - for 37.5 hours over the weekend of 3-4 February 2024, carrying approximately 15kg of kit, the same as on the rest of the year's walks. I wanted to use those scary statistics to launch the project and start something that, I hope, will be good. Thank you so much to everyone for making this madness a success and getting In Their Honour: Who Will You Hike For? off on the right foot; I'm already amazed by how much has been raised, and we haven't even started the first long-distance path yet - bring on Hadrian's Wall!

This weekend coincided with the year anniversary of John's memorial service, during which the idea to walk Wainwright's Coast to Coast for Cancer Research UK began to take hold, and #WorldCancerDay2024. It also comes with the very sad news of Jonnie Irwin's death, and on Monday, the breaking news that His Majesty King Charles is beginning treatment. There are too many people touched by this disease.

37.5 hours awake and 18.75 hours walking. 123,570 steps taken and 51.88 miles covered; 15kg carried. The weekend raised at least £229.62 in cash, plus some online donations.

19 people kept me company on one or more of the walks, including the hours of darkness; and 34 people came into town to check in, donate and encourage me. I was very lucky with the weather, and got to see some very pretty snowdrops.

My wonderful parents were there throughout, and some volunteers from 2160 (Sleaford) Sqn stood with buckets and told passers-by what I was up to while I was walking.

Huge thanks to Watergate YARD - R&H, who allowed me to walk from there and made a donation of the cost of my meal, as well as keeping us all well fed and watered. Also to the Cancer Research UK Sleaford shop, who allowed us access to their toilets and kettle and were wonderful throughout.

Further thanks to Simon from SJB Uniforms & Workwear, who procured and embroidered all the wonderful clothes I wore, and presented a cheque for £100, which is the amount raised by clothing sales so far (since November); and Castle Print, who designed and produced the wonderful leaflets and business cards we were handing out, as well as the banner I carried on my bag. Finally to Jim's Gym for walking a late shift with me and supporting members of the local community in their sporting and fundraising endeavours.

I went home, showered, slept for 14 hours, ate a lot of food and drank a lot of water when I woke up, and then... went for a walk!