Kym and Jamie completed their 80 mile charity walk for Ronald McDonald Houses earlier this month. They have currently raised £2,047 and have therefore exceeded their amended target of £2,000, which itself was double their original goal.
Kym’s daily blogs, reproduced below, provide the highlights of their four days walking:
Day 1 blog: I’ve seen Wembley Stadium, Regents Park, Grenfell Tower (so sad), nesting moorhens with chicks and swans with cygnets, a green woodpecker, some handsome dogs (shame about some of the owners) and a lorry driver about 3ft away mount the pavement and take out a bollard (male naturally)! I’ve learned that London cyclists are rude and my efforts to teach them manners whilst amusing for me, were largely wasted, Jamie can’t multi task and his attempts to look at his glasses while holding a drink meant that I would end up wearing it! I’ve learned that Billie-Marie is back in Alder Hey which has made us more determined and that there are a lot of generous people out there, thank you so much to everyone who has donated. Day 1 done we’re on our way home tired and dirty. Day 2 starts at 7am tomorrow as we had to cut today a little shorter than planned because Jamie somehow has managed to lock his lovely wife Naomi out of their home!
Day 2 blog: Tough today as the heat made it hard! Today we’ve seen 3 herons, a red kite and a couple of guys appearing to be picking nits from each other’s hair! It was a more picturesque walk today along the canal path, a lot less pavement pounding. Well-mannered cyclists, friendly people except one rude guy at Watford where we also saw the days first builders bum and thankfully the only one! Is that really necessary? Must be quite uncomfortable and draughty! Jamie is suffering nasty blisters today and I have put the blister pack “in a safe place” but can’t remember where! Sorry J! Our other silly moment was forgetting to pay for parking in Northampton! Oops! Half way through now time wise though a few more miles to cover the next 2 days so early start tomorrow for day 3! We can do this!!
Day 3 blog: Off to an early start today at Tring. As my back and shoulders are surprisingly sorer than anything else I’ve decided to ditch the back pack, use a bum bag and let Jamie carry the weight! Not sure this look will catch on again so may try to up the game tomorrow and rock in socks and sandals as well! The new waist attire has taken a soaking with Jamie’s 2nd throw of a drink over me as has my phone! Today I’ve seen the most beautiful countryside and my senses have been assaulted by the less pleasant aromas that come with it! I’ve seen horses running together, a couple of boat cats, stunning wildlife and a doberman belly flop into the canal to chase geese which naturally flew away leaving the dog unable to get back out again! Help was at hand and all ended well but it was funny. Everyone we’ve met has been lovely despite Jamie’s groans of pain about his blisters! In fairness they are really bad poor lad. My legs are feeling it now but we’re almost there and I’m determined to finish even if I do so on my hands and knees.
Day 4 blog: Off to an early start again and just finished! Woohoo 80 miles over 4 days completed with lots of laughs and groans of pain along the way. Today I managed to spill my own drink on me, thought I’d give Jamie a break from doing it! We’ve had donations from strangers including the owners of Zack the greyhound who took a liking to me, seen beautiful views including common terns, had a close encounter with a heron and learned that the names Rosie and Jane appear on more barges than any other name. I have asked myself over the last few days why I accepted this fundraising challenge from someone almost 30 years younger than me but we’ve done it! Would I do it again, hell yes! Growing old is compulsory growing up and acting your age is optional and the latter is my choice and the way I plan to continue. Most importantly, we’ve almost hit our target for Ronald McDonald House which is an amazing charity that gives so much help to families of sick children, more than I can begin to explain. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated and to you all for your support and encouragement, much appreciated.
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