I've done it!

I've completed the 30 days, you can still donate though for a few weeks yet! 

I have finally finished it, I walked 314 kilometres in 30 days and we are making such a difference with the total raised. The support I have received has been wonderful, the donations just stagger me, and I would like to say a huge thanks to every single person. THANK YOU!

Thanks to my Dad for his idea, and being the tally keeper, and to Mike Richards, Unc and Carol, Stumpy, Dad and Carol and Bell - Stumpy's dog for keeping me company on the walks!

Whilst walking I listened to many podcasts - these included Radio Moments by David Lloyd; the Adam Buxton Podcast, along with an episode or two of Andrew Cotter's podcast. All are highly recommended.

Finally - please please keep giving, I will leave the donations open for a few weeks as every penny helps and I know some are waiting on a pay-day etc.

Finally finally! Thank you to my Kelly and Isla putting up with me off walking every night for the last 30 days, couldn't have done it without you x

TARGETS SMASHED UPDATE!

Folks...we smashed the £1,000 barrier and I smashed the 250km barrier the other night...three more days to go please keep giving support, donations and let's get to £1,500!

IMPORTANT UPDATE! 26th May 2020

I am delighted to tell you that I actually completed the 160km on Sunday evening's walk! What a feeling, to do it in a fortnight, not bad for a 49 year old T1 diabetic that hasn't moved his legs in 24 years!

So, as ever in the spirit of endeavour, my dear Dad has again raised the bar, and upped the challenge. I am now aiming to hit 250km in the 30 days, so I'd better get moving! More pics to come, and another summary.

I need your help to support two charities that need us right now. Please, if you can, give here or pledge to me offline, to help. I am meeting a challenge to walk 160 kilometres in 30 days, something I just couldn't have contemplated a few weird weeks ago! Walking has helped keep me going throughout this pandemic, the solitude and stunning scenery of Cannock Chase, fortunately on my doorstep, are healing, give clarity and make one think and put things in perspective. For thousands of years thousands of feet have trodden there...that said a line from a favourite song by Labi Siffre is "Nothing around just the trees and the ground. There's a bird in a tree singing a song just for me, just for me" - there's more than that around us though. It's spirit. 

Keep going folks, keep going.

From St. Giles: "We've never needed you more than we need you today. We've recognised for a very long time that it takes a community to make a hospice and, in light of the current coronavirus outbreak, we've never needed you more than we need you today. With a big increase in people needing palliative care at this time, our services are facing more demand than ever before. But our shops have had to close, our events are being cancelled and our income has almost dried up. We are now reliant on donations to continue our work.Were continuing to deliver care to some of the most vulnerable people in your local community, but it costs £850,000 every month just to keep our service going..We need you, our patients need you. Thank you so much."

Charity number two for me is Mind. Mind save lives, they are so important to me personally. Please support them, as they support others in these especially difficult and mentally challenging times. Let's meet both challenges!

This is a mental health emergency – we need your help right now

The coronavirus pandemic is having a huge impact on our mental health. Help us be there for everyone who needs us at this crucial time.

All donations and encouragement are very gratefully received.

Ian x