My name is Karen Thornton, around 18 months ago, the very week the first Covid lockdown ended,we made our move from the city out into a small country village. I really wanted to embrace village life and get involved in doing things to help the local community. But even though the first lockdown was eased, moving during the midst of the pandemic created some real challenges for community integration. I managed to find a local job but was very soon furloughed. so I started looking at voluntary activity that might be valuable both locally and beyond. Whilst doing some research I came across the Rosie May Foundation and their famous pink Tuk Tuks and decided to get involved. I began helping to deliver hot meals and medical prescriptions to those isolating and shielding around the wider community; providing cakes and doorstep or garden gate chats to those that wanted them. Much of this work has continued as significant numbers of people have remained concerned about getting out and about. When allowed under the rules in placeat any given time, we have run a weekly “social table” in a local hostelry; providing a drop-in and chat opportunity for anyone wanting to get back into meeting people and making friends. As things open up further I am looking forward to expanding my involvement with both the local and wider work of the Foundation. A group of us are walking the 33 miles of the Grantham Canal on 5th March, starting near Grantham and finishing at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground. Starting at 6am and aiming to finish between 6 and 7pm to raise funds for this charity. Please support us by sponsoring us, every little helps.

In April 2022 I am planning to visit some of the Rosie May Foundation projects as part of a challenging self-drive Tuk Tuk adventure through the island of Sri Lanka. The money I raise with your help for my 33 mile walk will help provide opportunities for single parent mums to become economically sufficient so they can keep their families safe and together and also give children access to education.

Thank you for all your support.

1st training walk took place on Sunday 16th January. Started at Cotgrave Country Park headed fo Radcliffe on Trent, onto Holme Pierrepont. From there we walked to Lady Bay in Nottingham then we picked up the Grantham Canal and followed it back to Cotgrave. A total of 12 miles.

2nd training walk Thursday 20th January. Started at Harby and followed the Grantham Canal all the way to the City Ground in Nottingham, passing through Hickling, Cotgrave, Gamston to the end of the canal at the River Trent. A total of 20 miles.

3rd training walk Sunday 30th January. Started in Bingham and passing through Saxondale, East Bridgeford, Gunthorpe walking along the River Trent on to Hoveringham and ending up in Bleasby. A total of 10 miles.

With over 100 miles of training behind me the day of my walkathon is almost here. We will try and keep you up todate with where we are and how we are getting on via social media. Plenty of pictures will be taken.

Thank you for sponsoring us.