This why I am asking you to donate. 

My darling wife Helen narrowly survived a stroke back in November 2011 at the age of 44. Since then Helen has had to contend daily with many challenges herself on her ongoing road to recovery, many of which have life long consequences for her.

Helen began going to Headway in the Summer of 2012 for one day a week, at first she was very introverted and and sat quietly for most of the day. Over that year and through 2013 Helen made slow but steady progress. The staff, volunteers and other clients always made Helen and us feel very welcome. Helen has made new friends and realised I hope, that she wasn't alone in what she had been through and how she felt about it. At the start of 2014 Helen started going two days a week and she has made even greater strides with her confidence since then. During 2015 and  into 2016 Helen has continued to make progress thanks to the dedication of the staff at Headway. I cannot thank them enough for all they have done to help Helen

So Why am I doing this particular challenge? 

Because I enjoy wild camping and backpacking. 

In 2015 I completed my first coast to coast challenge, it was an amazing experience and I decided right away on the first day I would apply again for 2016. 

So last October I entered an application for the second time for the "The Great Outdoors Magazine Challenge 2016"

Once my application had been accepted I decided to again to use my challenge to raise some funds and give a big thank you to an organisation that is close to our family's hearts, and to continue to help Headway to help more people just like our Helen. 

Last year people's generosity raised over £1000 so I thought I need to challenge that as well. So this year I am aiming for £2000.

So for those of you maybe asking, what exactly is this TGO Challenge? 

 Every May sees around 300 backpackers hike from Scotland's west coast to east, through some of the most stunning – and testing – landscapes in Europe. It's a test of backcountry skills, navigation and stamina – but Challengers also share wonderful camaraderie and friendship. Every entry whether as a group, or solo as I am decides on their own route so each challenge is unique to them. I will be wild camping nearly all of the way. This years challenge starts on the 13th May and must completed by the 27th May. 

More details can be found here 

TGO Challenge 2016

This Year I am following a different route but have only 12 days to complete it instead of 15. My challenge begins at Stratchcarron on Monday 16th May and ends 12 days and 277 kilometres or  172 miles later at Stonehaven on Friday 27th May, fingers crossed, tired, a few pounds lighter and hopefully without as many blisters as 2015. 

Throughout the whole challenge I will be mainly wild camping under a tarp. There is a photo below from last year. 

I am hoping to be able to update this page as the challenge progresses, however the phone coverage where I will be travelling is at best non existent. A map showing my planned route and last reported location will be available at

Here is my route at Shareyouradventure.com

Darren's TGO Challenge for Headway

PLease note the live challenge location won't be available until the start on the Monday 16th May at 11:00. Due to other commitments I am starting the challenge 3 days later than most so will have some catching up to do. 

I'd just like to add a huge thank you to the staff at Headway Swindon for the help and support they have given me personally over the past four and a  half  years, even if sometimes I just needed someone to talk to about how I was feeling and for the support in helping me to get the ball rolling with the fundraising... 

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