Ed Penny
Ed Penny's Fundraising Page
Fundraising for Cancer Research UK
Story
Thank you so much for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me!
So…a little background on the journey –
The West Highland Way links Milngavie to Fort William – a distance of 152km (95 miles) – which we plan on completing over 5 days, averaging around 20 miles a day. You may be thinking that a 20 mile walk isn’t that hard…but when it’s repeated 5 days in a row with no rest, carrying all the equipment we need to live on our backs (about 80 litres!), I’m sure you can appreciate the challenge that faces us! Please also bear in mind that it will be October.....in Scotland....so the weather might not be on our side either!
It will require a fair bit of training, I can tell you!
I have chosen to do this for Cancer Research UK because my Grandpa died of pancreatic cancer several years ago. I know how terrible cancer is and I want to do what I can to help support research into new medicines to make cancer sufferers lives more comfortable and help support new research into ways of curing cancer.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cancer Research UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
So please sponsor me!
Many, many, many thanks for your support.
Ed
P.S. I plan on keeping people updated with how my training for the walk is going, so please check back soon for regular updates!!
UPDATE: Sept 13th 08 - I've started running in preparation for the hike! Having not run since.....well ever really, it’s been quite a shock to the system. I initially planned to run every night, but I soon realised the importance of giving my body a rest, and have now modified my training routine to every other night!
My first ever run was pretty horrible - my knees felt like they might crumble, my lungs internally combust and my heart burst through my chest cavity but I got through it one piece (just)! Although I walked with a limp for the following few days!
UPDATE: Oct 8th 08 - Something strange has happened........after my initial scepticism about running....I've actually started to enjoy it! Several friends advised me that this might happen as my body becomes conditioned to the rigors of running. I'm not only learning how to pace my stride and my breathing but finding that my recovery rate is improving too. I'm surprised at how quickly the body adapts....
UPDATE: Oct 11th 08 - I've travelled up to Snowdonia,North Wales with Gill to do some training in the mountains! We chose to climb the Crib Goch route to the summit ofSnowdon . Crib Goch is a knife-edged arête with spectacular views. Luckily, the weather was kind to us, and the views there stunning - the best I've ever seen in Snowdonia!
This was my first outing in my new boots and I really put them through their paces! Luckily they performed very well with only slight rubbing that never materialised into blisters. Given a few more long walks, I am convinced they will wear into a perfect fit.
UPDATE: Oct 19th 08 - I went on a walk from Upper Booth to Kinder Downfall and back, to bed in my boots today. I set off quite late (around 14:30) and arrived back at the car by dusk. It was a very atmospheric walk - the weather was overcast and blustery which made the Kinder plateau feel extra remote! The good news is my boots gave me no problems whatsoever which bodes well for the trek!
So…a little background on the journey –
The West Highland Way links Milngavie to Fort William – a distance of 152km (95 miles) – which we plan on completing over 5 days, averaging around 20 miles a day. You may be thinking that a 20 mile walk isn’t that hard…but when it’s repeated 5 days in a row with no rest, carrying all the equipment we need to live on our backs (about 80 litres!), I’m sure you can appreciate the challenge that faces us! Please also bear in mind that it will be October.....in Scotland....so the weather might not be on our side either!
It will require a fair bit of training, I can tell you!
I have chosen to do this for Cancer Research UK because my Grandpa died of pancreatic cancer several years ago. I know how terrible cancer is and I want to do what I can to help support research into new medicines to make cancer sufferers lives more comfortable and help support new research into ways of curing cancer.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cancer Research UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.
So please sponsor me!
Many, many, many thanks for your support.
EdP.S. I plan on keeping people updated with how my training for the walk is going, so please check back soon for regular updates!!
UPDATE: Sept 13th 08 - I've started running in preparation for the hike! Having not run since.....well ever really, it’s been quite a shock to the system. I initially planned to run every night, but I soon realised the importance of giving my body a rest, and have now modified my training routine to every other night!
My first ever run was pretty horrible - my knees felt like they might crumble, my lungs internally combust and my heart burst through my chest cavity but I got through it one piece (just)! Although I walked with a limp for the following few days!
UPDATE: Oct 8th 08 - Something strange has happened........after my initial scepticism about running....I've actually started to enjoy it! Several friends advised me that this might happen as my body becomes conditioned to the rigors of running. I'm not only learning how to pace my stride and my breathing but finding that my recovery rate is improving too. I'm surprised at how quickly the body adapts....
UPDATE: Oct 11th 08 - I've travelled up to Snowdonia,North Wales with Gill to do some training in the mountains! We chose to climb the Crib Goch route to the summit ofSnowdon . Crib Goch is a knife-edged arête with spectacular views. Luckily, the weather was kind to us, and the views there stunning - the best I've ever seen in Snowdonia!
This was my first outing in my new boots and I really put them through their paces! Luckily they performed very well with only slight rubbing that never materialised into blisters. Given a few more long walks, I am convinced they will wear into a perfect fit.
UPDATE: Oct 19th 08 - I went on a walk from Upper Booth to Kinder Downfall and back, to bed in my boots today. I set off quite late (around 14:30) and arrived back at the car by dusk. It was a very atmospheric walk - the weather was overcast and blustery which made the Kinder plateau feel extra remote! The good news is my boots gave me no problems whatsoever which bodes well for the trek!