John's Long Walk Home

Update - April 2007

Well he's done it! What an effort. John completed the walk in 23 hours 55 minutes – 5 mins within his target time.

There were some moments on the Friday night when he didn't think he would make the 62 miles. He started the walk at 4.00pm on Friday 13th. Although it had been a reasonably sunny day, there was a keen cold breeze. A sea mist rolled in at about 5.00pm which reduced the temperature and visibility even further. However John's Son-in Law, Rob and his Grandson Alex insisted on escorting him. Alex (aged 14) achieved a very cold 8 miles and could have gone further. John and Rob achieved an amazing 31 miles (Rob, having been ill for nearly 3 weeks and therefore not able to train for the event).

John's daughter Vanessa and his other Grandson Nicholas (aged 12 - who provided the very colourful posters for our fundraising table) assisted me in providing 'on the hour checks' on 'our men'.

John and Rob completed the first part of the walk at Midnight on Friday and were welcomed home, where a comforting bath and hot drink awaited them.

John managed to sleep until 7.00am before leaving the house for an early start for the second leg of the walk. I met him en route at 9.00am where he was joined for 8 miles of the walk again by his Grandson Alex. Nickolas helped me with the important task of fundraising. Vanessa refused to leave her post – not many people passed her collecting tin!

Mid morning we were joined by my daughters Faye & Ema together with Faye's husband Mike and 3 year old daughter Olivia. Faye and Ema topped up our provisions and bought a bottle of bubbly to welcome John at the end of his walk. Mike joined John later in the morning on the walk and managed to help John step up the pace during the la mile in order that John could maintain his target of doing the walk within 24 hours!

Throughout the 24 hours we were joined by Pat and Mike Martin whose 9 year old Granddaughter Tori was the driving force behind John's challenge to raise £3000 for Hammer Out. You are aware that Tori sadly died of a brain tumour last New Years Eve. Pat and Mike provided two beautiful photos of Tori which we displayed at our 'fundraising spot'. They also waited in the cold and dark on Friday evening for John and his 'escorts' to pass to make sure 'they were alright'! On Saturday they again provided lots of support to John. Pat insisted that we set up a 'finish line' for John to pass through. So a couple of people kindly lent Pat their dogs lead.

We would like to say a huge thank you to our family who travelled such a long way to support John in his 62 mile walk, to our friends who 'donated' money in lieu of presents – especially Mike (Jock) Rowan. And to Ema who raised money with a raffle at her party. Thanks to everyone who 'donated' money and to those who organized sponsor forms.

It's not too late to sponsor John!
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