Hi everyone

First of all I must thank Steve Muskett for deciding to do this and letting me join the party.

The plan is to walk the length of the South Downs Way, around 100 miles in total from Winchester to Eastbourne, in 5 days come rain or shine in April 2012 (23rd-27th inclusive).

Since moving to West Sussex in 2006 I have fallen in love with the rolling hills of the South Downs and for those in the know is a rewarding area for all GC fans.

If by doing something challenging yet ultimately rewarding and, I'm not ashamed to admit, fun, I can support an important area of medical research then why on earth shouldn't I?

With April fast approaching we have organised all the accommodation for our trip which breaks down as follows:

Day1: Winchester to Buriton

Day2: Buriton to Amberley (really looking forward to this day, and not just for the prospect of a locally brewed pint at the end!)

Day3: Amberley to Pyecombe

Day4: Pyecombe to Rodmell (shortest day of the week)

Day5: Rodmell to Eastbourne (slap up meal to celebrate)

Along the course we have recruited the services of my parents and their caravan to act as support, ferry spare clothes from place to place and provide packed lunches each day. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to them.

I have almost turned in to a "keeny" as I have waterproof leather boots, trousers with pockets designed for OS maps, compass, rucksack with rain cover, walking poles and so on. All of which will get plenty of use before and after this trip.

Managed to stretch my legs along part of this route one weekend (I hope there will be more) and this only made me realise how much I am looking forward to the whole event.

I have not set myself a target for donations and you should feel free to donate whatever value you are happy with. Our employer have kindly agreed to match any donations made up to £300 per person so we could get an extra £1200 between the 4 of us if everyone manages to dig deep.

Many thanks for taking note and hopefully giving your support.

Jon

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