**UPDATE - September 2022**

Due to some really bad luck, I ended up being unable to complete my marathon on the event day in July because I was unwell with Covid. I decided, rather than wait until next year to take part in the event, that I would take the challenge on independently, with the kind support and company of my brother-in-law.

On Saturday 24th September 2022 we walked 26.2 miles from Chelmsford to Heybridge Basin and back. We were really fortunate with good sunny weather and managed to complete the walk in 10 hours, including 1 hour of stops. This means not only did we finish it, but we managed to keep to my goal walking pace of 3 miles per hour! I’m so chuffed with this and delighted to have raised more than £400 for Macmillan. Thank you so much to everyone who donated, sent me messages of support and generally cheered me on! I couldn’t have done it without you all.

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For those of you who know me well, you’ll know that I am no runner and it is highly unlikely that I’ll ever sign up to run a proper marathon…! I do, however, love to walk and get outdoors, so for me this is the closest to a proper marathon that I’m ever going to get. I’m going to be hiking 26 miles in one day on July 30th 2022 as part of the Dedham Vale Mighty Hike, alongside a team of other local Outdoorsy Type walkers.

Why am I doing it? Well, after the last two years of struggle that the entire world has been through and many personal sacrifices that I myself have experienced, I wanted this year to achieve something that could stay with me for the rest of my life, no matter what else may come. I wanted to challenge and push myself physically and mentally, and I wanted to get to know the beautiful county that I call home a little better. When the opportunity to sign up for the Dedham Vale Mighty Hike presented itself, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to do all of these things in one!

I am also doing this challenge in memory of those close to our family who have lost their lives to cancer, as well as those loved ones who have been lucky enough to fight cancer and win. Their courage and positivity in going through that battle I know will inspire me time and time again as I go through the gruelling 15 week training plan to complete my trek. If you can spare anything to help me hit my fundraising target and help support others who may have to go through the devastating hardship of fighting a cancer diagnosis, I would be so deeply grateful.

Thank you, Vicky x

At Macmillan, we give people with cancer everything we’ve got. If you’re diagnosed, your worries are our worries. We’re doing whatever it takes. But without your help we can’t support everyone who needs us.Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them 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.