Mai Lee Xavier-Rhoades
Mum & Daughter Team XR 50km Walk for Woodchurch Carriage Driving Group RDA
Fundraising for Woodchurch Driving Group RDA
Story
We did it!
Team XR 50Km+ Walk update and a sincere thank you to all our supporters!
Wow what an amazing experience! We made it to the end of our walk in one piece! I am so very proud of you Mai Lee! You did absolutely incredible, you were such a great walking partner, so motivational and attentive to my needs around the whole
walk, your a star! Well done my darling such an 50Km + achievement at 18 years old.
walk, your a star! Well done my darling such an 50Km + achievement at 18 years old.
We just could not of achieved this walk without our amazing RDA volunteer supporters and family! (Mee An & Grandad, Helen & Family, Susi
& Winston, Jean and her lovely dog, Judith & Family, Jo, Anne, Celia & Roger, Ron & Jo, Sheila & Laura) Thank you all so very much for driving around the various stop points making sure we had
all we needed and carried what we didnt need, giving us the encouragement to keep going. Everyone was so caring and motivating us to
succeed! Especially at our weak moments, thank you so very much to all of you. It really means the world to us.
& Winston, Jean and her lovely dog, Judith & Family, Jo, Anne, Celia & Roger, Ron & Jo, Sheila & Laura) Thank you all so very much for driving around the various stop points making sure we had
all we needed and carried what we didnt need, giving us the encouragement to keep going. Everyone was so caring and motivating us to
succeed! Especially at our weak moments, thank you so very much to all of you. It really means the world to us.
Thank you so much Susi for our wonderful greeting at The Bonny Cravat at Woodchurch, At the top of front road hill, it was amazing to walk around
the corner and see you with Winston & Carriage waiting for us with all our RDA volunteer supporters waving and cheering! Although we were
exhausted, sore and aching it was a wonderful sight and what a wonderful way to walk the last 2 miles accompanied by the beautiful sound of
Winston's hoofs walking with us and knowing you were just there for us if needed.
the corner and see you with Winston & Carriage waiting for us with all our RDA volunteer supporters waving and cheering! Although we were
exhausted, sore and aching it was a wonderful sight and what a wonderful way to walk the last 2 miles accompanied by the beautiful sound of
Winston's hoofs walking with us and knowing you were just there for us if needed.
Lee thank you for your attentive and motivational moped presence on the road walks
for the last couple of legs, it helped to know we were not alone, when it began to get really tough.
for the last couple of legs, it helped to know we were not alone, when it began to get really tough.
The last 2 miles walk were the hardest for me and mostly up hill, Mai Lee did amazing! At this stage I was struggling and knowing my youngest
daughter Mee An was walking just behind me to make sure I was ok which was so special, thank you!
daughter Mee An was walking just behind me to make sure I was ok which was so special, thank you!
Thank you Helen you were just there for us wherever we needed you, I wouldn't
of made it without you! Literally holding me steady walking down the drive to the RDA yard.
of made it without you! Literally holding me steady walking down the drive to the RDA yard.
Lastly to all those who cared for us at the end of our walk you were all amazing! Thank so much for all your support and aftercare. I slept like a log!
Organising this walking event was of course a personal challenge which Im sure we will
continue to do more in the future, as doing walks like this just make us feel alive, but knowing that by doing this we also have helped support
the Woodchurch Driving RDA Group does make us feel absolutely amazing and really what this is all in aid of.
continue to do more in the future, as doing walks like this just make us feel alive, but knowing that by doing this we also have helped support
the Woodchurch Driving RDA Group does make us feel absolutely amazing and really what this is all in aid of.
So here is a breakdown of generous donations raised so far!
Just Giving £305.94
Offline cash & cheque donations £170
Facebook Birthday Fundraiser £60
Collection tins £16.25
Total. £552.19
This figure is continuing to rise thank you so much!
Which we are so happy to of reached our target of £500.
However
if you havent managed to donate yet or maybe you were waiting to see if
we made the 50Km, we did it and it's not to late to support us, You can
still donate to this wonderful cause by following this link.
if you havent managed to donate yet or maybe you were waiting to see if
we made the 50Km, we did it and it's not to late to support us, You can
still donate to this wonderful cause by following this link.
Thank you all
😊
Today we are walking 50+Km (31+mile)!
Please support our walking fundraising challenge for
The Woodchurch Carriage Driving RDA Group.
Even though we have both walked some distances before 50Km is the furthest we've attempted.
This will be a challenge! The day has come!
Due to our own health reasons walking is our maintenance physical health training.
We practice a combination of mixed terrains from cross country, forests to road walking.
Our challenge is to complete an actual 53 Kilometres (approx 33.5 miles) 7am -7pm on Saturday 31st August 2019!
We have 8 water stops along the way, supported by RDA Voluteers, family and friends, mostly at various pubs. (Water!)
Start RDA Yard/ Stone circle, Tenterden, Rolvenden Layne, Newenden, Wittersham,
Peasmarsh, Iden, Appledoor, Woodchurch, Finish at RDA Yard / Stone Circle.
Our ultimate aim is not only WALK the WALK but raise as much funds as we can.
Every penny donated whether online or offline goes direct to The Woodchurch Carriage Driving RDA Group.
Thank you so much to those who have already generously donated, it means the world to us to have your support!
We have kindly been given offline donations, which will be added to the total at the end of the event!
We thank in advance all those who contribute between now and Saturday or even after the event.
We are so very grateful for any support that we receive.
We know that The Woodchurch Carriage Driving RDA Group is very important to many people.
So this is a perfect time to share some contributions from some of the drivers, parents /carers,
coaches and volunteers who are part of this fantastic group.
What does the RDA group mean to you?
Our son started carriage driving this year with the fabulous RDA Woodchurch group, everyone is so friendly and he absolutely loves going. He is much more open and confident since joining the group. Altogether a huge success, all thanks to all the amazing volunteers.
Charlotte
Volunteering with the group, although often tough is all worth while when you see the faces of the Disabled Drivers during and after their weekly driving sessions. To gain their trust, confidence and friendship is all the reward needed.Their smiles say it all, that sense of freedom and achievement that sums up the RDA motto so well “Its what you can do that counts”!
Jean
Since joining to volunteer, I have found I get so much out of attending. From seeing how happy the drivers are when they are out Carriage Driving, to developing and improving my socialisation and people skills and experience with those with disabilities and mental health conditions, to increasing my understanding and knowledge of the care of horses and ponies. Not forgetting to help keep fit and healthy, enjoying being outside in the fresh air and become part of something very special.
Jacqui
Some thoughtful feedback from current drivers Who attend regularly:
Independence
Freedom and space
Some thoughtful feedback from current volunteers:
Inspirational
Fresh air & Rekindle love for horses
Therapy
Uplifting and rewarding
Companionship
Therapeutic
Fun
Sense of purpose
Teamwork
Social
Freedom
Friendship
Joy
Pleasant company
Our planned walk event.
Arranging a personal walking challenge can be tricky, and need careful planning, for this length walk in summer weather we need lots of water, it's too much to carry for all that way, so we have help of some very special people who are giving their time to support us. They will be at the various pubs with our water and some spare snacks! Anyone is welcome to come cheer us on from any of the above pubs, Our volunteers will welcomely receive any donations on the day. Look out for the blue RDA T Skirts.
Our walk timeline!
Saturday 31st August 2019
Start RDA Yard/Stone Circle leave 7am
4 miles to The White Lion Tenterden 8am - 8.40am 10 mins stop
(4 miles / 6.43 Km)
3 miles to The Ewe & Lamb Rolvenden Layne 9.00 - 9.40am 10 mins stop
(7 miles / 11.26 Km) PLEASE NOTE THIS PUB WILL BE SHUT!
6 miles to the The White Heart Pub Newenden 11am - 11.40am Max 10 mins stop
13 miles / 20.92Km)
3 miles to Wittersham River Rother bridge (Family lunch stop) 12pm - 12.40pm 20 mins stop
(16 miles / 25.74KM)
4 miles to The Cock Inn Pub Peasmarsh 1.10pm - 1.50pm 10 mins stop
(20 miles / 32.18 Km)
2.5 miles to The Iden Bell Iden 2.10pm - 2.50pm 10 mins stop
(22.5 miles / 35.40Km)
5 miles to The Black lion Appledoor 4.10pm - 4.50pm 10 mins stop
(27.5 miles / 43.45Km)
4 miles to The Six Bells/ Bonny Cravat Pubs Woodchurch 5.20pm - 6pm 10 mins stop
(31.5 miles / 49.80Km)
Last 2 miles to the RDA yard /Stone Circle! 6.20pm - 7pm Finish!
(33.5 miles / 53Km )
All measurements are calculated from OS maps/apps.
Due to the fine timeline, because of the distance we want to cover. With pacing dependant on the terrain and conditions on the day, we aim to walk a good fast power walk pace whenever we can. We mum and daughter have trained together for months and checked and finely planned all routes in recent hots days to make sure the environment hasn't changed to much. We are walking a mix of terrain, hills and flats, on roads, grass, forest, gravel track, byways, uneven harvested fields. We adapt the pace as necessary going at our max speed if we are able. We have a great plan of action and more than anything we both so hope to be successful!
Please support our mum and daughter Team XR
Remember we can reach even more people if you take a few moments and share.
A little more about our special RDA group.
Our Woodchurch RDA Group is made up of disadvantaged and companion RDA trained drivers and volunteers. We come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring many skills and interests to the Group. Our Group’s ages range from 15 to 87!!
Our common bond is the horses who give so much to everyone. They have the ability to instill trust and confidence and a sense of personal achievement where other channels have failed. We offer carriage driving activities for adults with a range of disabilities, some of whom are wheelchair dependant and our lovely ponies are central to their enjoyment.
Carriage driving helps with coordination, balance and a sense of well being through achievement. We meet twice weekly from Spring to Autumn and drive in beautiful fields, woods and an outdoor arena. Drivers enjoy honing their skills, competing against each other and at shows, whilst others just love being with the horses, learning how to groom and care for them and taking part in games and fun pursuits. Some also enjoy taking the RDA proficiency tests.
More info can be found here http://rdawoodchurch.co.uk
How will the money we raise help the Woodchurch RDA charity?
The group which is affiliated to the "Riding for the Disabled Association" is entirely volunteer-led and receives no government funding. We are a registered, self-funding charity and are constantly fundraising for the horses’ upkeep and essential equipment. This is achieved with events and social gatherings throughout the year.
The volunteers commit to give their own time to organise and run events throughout the year. So many costs to run such an important local charity. By donating to our charity walk you will be contributing to help support this wonderful service this special group provides.
Please give what you can.
Thank you for all your support, it really means the world to us!
Jacqui & Mai Lee Xavier-Rhoades
Team XR
Fundraising for Woodchurch RDA group.
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.