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What I am up to . . .

I am walking part of my father's escape route from his POW camp through the Apennines, alone and 'roughing it', having resolved on my 60th birthday last month never to say I'm too old to do anything.  I'm now regretting saying that out loud and mentioning the idea of a solo walk following in Dad's footsteps in the same breath!

But there are too many anniversaries to ignore:  my 60th birthday, the 70th anniversary of Dad's 400-mile walk to freedom, the 1st anniversary of his death at the age of 92.  So here I find myself marching up and down stairs with a 16 kg rucksack on my back and learning to put up a tent in preparation for my adventure.  I leave next week (25th September) and will be walking from the top of Monte Falterona south east along Dad's path as far as I can get in a week or perhaps more.

Unlike Dad, I will have a tent, stove and provisions, and won't be expecting to bump into the enemy around every corner.  But, like him, I am sure I will experience the kindness of strangers along the way.

I hope to raise money for two charities.  The Monte San Martino Trust is close to my heart as a charity which recognises the bravery and self-sacrifice of the Italian people who helped so many escaping allied POW's.  Dad returned to Italy several times on his beloved Moto Guzzi motorbike - the last time at the age of 83 - to find places remembered and to thank the people who had helped him on his way.  The Loro family, who sheltered him initially on his escape from the camp next to their farmhouse, have become lasting family friends, and Andrea Martelli, a Loro grandson, came to London on a Trust bursary in 1994.

I am also supporting Afghan Connection and have set up a separate Just Giving fundraising page for them to raise money for the building of a new school in a remote area of north east Afghanistan.  To see this page, simply click on the following link:   http://www.justgiving.com/Myfanwy-Adams1 

I feel it's important to look both backwards to acknowledge the bravery and humanity of individuals in a past war, and forwards to a future where individuals have been given the means, through an education, to help prevent further wars.

Ideally, I would like to divide any money I raise equally between the two charities.  But, if you would like to make a donation, please feel free to make it to either one or the other or both, as you think fit.  Any donation, however small, will be hugely appreciated. And your support - together with Pink Floyd's 'Fearless' in my headphones - will help keep me plodding up hill and down dale!

If I get an opportunity to update you on my progress I'll try and post a few photos, so do check this page from time to time.

Finally, an extract from Edgar A.Guest's poem 'I Follow a Famous Father' which I read at Dad's funeral . . .

He stood to the sternest trials

As only a brave man can:

Though the way be long, I must never wrong

The name of so good a man.

Thanks so much for your support.

Myf