| John O' Groats to Lands End Walk Sep to Nov 2002 |
 East England Hospices for life limited children. |
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 1st Swanton Morley Scout & Guide HQ fund |
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Why would anybody want to walk from John O' Groats to Lands End, even worse away from roads and unsupported? A very good question. The usual response when I explain my ambition is 'there's a perfectly good train service', but that would only take a couple of days. A walk of this sort has to be planned; How many pairs of Socks? Will the boots hold out? Which route should I take? How much will it cost, How much alcohol will I need?
So Why am I doing it?
Some 20 odd years ago I took up walking at the ripe old age of 17, simply working out how to get from A to B without getting hopelessly lost proved very difficult. I was soon to discover the art of map and compass, route planning, equipment requirements etc, etc; I quickly realised there was more to walking, especially in rugged terrain, than just walking. Very soon I was attempting the Pennine Way, The Cleveland Way and the Coast to Coast, all of which I have walked on more than one occasion. I used each new venture to raise funds for deserving causes. I also had the first inklings of a desire to try something more challenging, something that would really test my resolve and so my ambition to walk the length of the UK mainland was born. Whilst I enjoy myself strolling through the UK countryside I'll also be completing 4 recognised long distance paths and raising funds for some worthy causes.
As I state in my begging letter: I am not one for taking it easy, but on occasions I also feel that whilst I try to do something extraordinary I can use the opportunity to benefit others. As a Scout leader in various roles for over 20 years I have helped able-bodied youngsters do things they never thought they could. The reward for me is seeing them realise a dream, and often completing it with them. Unfortunately many in society are not so lucky. To date I have been blessed with good health. Apart from giving up many hours of my own time I have also used this health to help raise small sums of money for those less fortunate, primarily children. In September of 2002 I will be realising a lifetime ambition; that is to complete the ultimate walk of mainland Britain, John ‘o’ Groats to Lands End. I would like to use this event to help raise awareness and funds for 5 charities, with their written consent, namely those listed above.