Story
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Before you read the following paragraphs about my walk, I need to tell you now, that regretfully, I have had to retire from completing it, due to a back injury sustained in a slip. The terrain was becoming increasingly dangerous underfoot, due to the deteriorating weather conditions. It would have been foolish of me to continue under the circumstances, as I would only be putting myself at risk, and potentially other people, who would have to recover me should my condition worsen in a remote, and sometimes hostile, environment. Although I failed to complete the challenge, here are the statistics for the walk completed, and I hope you agree, that at least, I gave it my best shot while still fit enough to do so.
Start - Minehead, Somerset, 1 Apr 2014
Days walking - 27
Distance covered - 347 miles
Cumulative ascent (height climbed) - 65,672ft
Finished - Portloe, South Cornwall, 27 Apr 2014.
To everyone who has already donated so generously, I thank you for your support, and now ask for your understanding as to why I did not finish the task as planned. I am bitterly disappointed. This information posted on 30 April 14. Mike.
I am going to attempt to walk the South West Coastal Path, a distance of approx. 630 miles, carrying full camping/survival equipment - unassisted. The event is to raise funds for both the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Help for Heroes (if you wish to donate to H4H as well, please go to bmycharity.com, and enter "Mike's 630 mile yomp" in "find a friend"). Hopefully, I will obtain some corporate sponsorship, sponsorship from members of the public and "brow-beat" friends and neighbours to "dig deep". You can follow me on Twitter @630mileyomp.
I am doing a lot of training hikes through my home town and local area. Hopefully this will generate some early donations and pledges of support and sponsorship. I have no financial overheads and all money raised will go to the respective charity, as donated. (donating to both would be really nice of you). A recent street collection in Wootton Bassett & Marlborough raised £102.81, which is a nice boost to my target figure.
My quest starts at 10.00 hours on Tuesday 1 April 14 from Quay West, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5UN. I'll be following the coastal path to Poole in Dorset, via Lands End. Projected time for the walk is 6 weeks to 8 weeks. If you can, please come along and see me off.
I'm really hoping this challenge and the two charities I am supporting is met with approval, and that all who read this story will be inspired to pledge their support by giving generously.
So, to all family, friends and acquaintances, and friends of friends, please go the extra mile - and I'll do the walking. Thanks.