Post-event update: For those who haven't followed it on Twitter, I made it to the approximate half-way point at Teignmouth, and beyond to Dawlish - with some difficulty! I'm still fairly pleased with that achievement even if it's only about two thirds of the way - I know I pushed myself as far as was reasonably safe, and anyone who knows the route will understand that the first part, up to Teignmouth, is much harder than the rest.

 

Update: Wow, you've all been amazingly generous. If you haven't donated yet, please also consider going to the OODS fundraising page (link below).

 

Also: I'll try to post the occasional update from the walk on Twitter, here: http://twitter.com/#!/jd_apweiler - if you want to sit by the seaside and watch me (and the rest of the group) hobble past, check Twitter for progress reports!

 

I'm taking part in the OODS Torquay-Exeter challenge this year - this is exactly what it sounds like: I'm going to attempt to walk from Torquay to Exeter. The challenge is organised by OODS, the Exeter University Out of Doors Society. It's taking part on Saturday, 4th June 2011.

 

Now, I've had CFS/ME (chronic fatigue syndrome) for the last year and a half, so this is even more of a challenge. But unlike many other people with CFS/ME I am well enough to be able to give it a try - and I want to use that bit of good luck to help make a difference. It's a 30-mile walk, and there's a good chance I won't make it to the end - but I will do my best and I will come back here to report how far I've got.

 

I am raising money for Citizens' Advice, to help all those struggling with CFS/ME and other long-term conditions and disabilities. Especially in the current economic and political climate, many are having trouble making ends meet and getting the support they deserve.

 

OODS's main fundraising page for the event is http://www.justgiving.com/OODS-TorquaytoExeter2011 - the nominated charity is a worthy cause and I don't want to draw support away from it, but due to my personal situation I feel it's more appropriate for me to do it this way.