In 1998 I walked the Coast-to-Coast (C2C) with my Dad, my best friend Karen and another friend Kathy, to celebrate Dad reaching 60 and being healthy, and to raise money for Children with Leukaemia after Karen's daughter had been cleared of this dreadful disease. 

Dad passed away on 22nd December 2021 after a long battle with dementia (read more about him on our team page: Team Alstead). 

I have struggled with my health for many years, even when we did the C2C the first time I had difficulty breathing, later to be diagnosed with a condition called ISS. In the last 12 years I have had around 25 operations and been further diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). On July 28th 2021 I had major spinal surgery, a triple spinal fusion. My consultants can't believe I even get out of bed in the mornings, but those who know me well all know that I am very, very determined and will never let my health issues define me.

I have been given the green light to do this walk by my consultants and have a great team walking with me, made up of Simon (my husband), James and Ed (my two sons), Karen (my oldest friend) and Alan (my dear friend and 'adopted' little brother).

The logistics of doing this as a team were very complex and involved a motor home, a tent, 4 cars, 7 campsites and a very intricate masterplan.

EDIT: After 3 gruelling days in the most incredible heat, I had to change the challenge for my own safety. I couldn't breathe climbing the mountains in 25-30', and it was taking far, far too long each day as I had to stop every 10 paces or so. I am still going to walk/cycle the 200 miles, but in a safer way. Watch this space!

Please sponsor me and check out our team page that tells the story of my Dad and why we're doing this challenge in his memory...
TEAM ALSTEAD #Doingit4Dave