In April 2018 I was diagnosed with leukaemia and have been treated in and am still under the care of the wonderful team at the BRI oncology and haematology building; while undergoing treatment and over long stays in hospital thankfully I was provided my own room on the ward, that gave me the privacy and space to process and come to terms with my Diagnosis. The haematology ward had recently undergone an amazing refurbishment which enabled people to have these private rooms whilst going through treatment, but the floor below, level six hasn’t had this refurbishment and currently the Bristol hospitals charity ‘Above & Beyond’ are doing a fundraiser to help level six get up to the same standards as level seven. I believe having this space to heal whilst going through treatment made the whole experience a much better one for me so I want to raise some funds to donate to the level six appeal so that other people going through this treatment have as good an experience as they can do.

A few things have aided my recovery; and to these things and people I am so grateful. For this adventure I’m going to use my of love walking and a crazy new pursuit of mine, cold water swimming. They both help fight the effects of months of chemotherapy, help rebuild my strength and fight fatigue and clear my mind. And of course to keep me company throughout this challenge is my best friend Grayson my dog who we rescued at the perfect time During the worst of times after treatment. 

Grayson got me outside during hard times after chemo, he motivated me to get out of bed! The first day we met he helped me shift from my health anxious mind, to a focus of love and care for him, since that first time he sat across my lap. He’s been my therapy and my guide dog! Plus he loves a good walk! 

So my plan this cold and wet Christmas is to go back to the BRI on foot with my bucket and dog lead in hand from my hometown beach in Weston-super-Mare where I swim regularly, up the coast following rhynes, rivers, streams, down country lanes,over farmers fields, along public footpaths, up bridleways,on the side of roads, following tracks, trekking trails, through bike lanes, across bridges to reach my destination Bristol BRI. Stopping at a few gems along the way and having the odd Cold dip. People Are welcome to join me on bits of my journey this week.

Day 1.

I will start with a swim on Weston Beach On Thursday 19th. Meeting 11:30 am at Weston Beach Café to the left of the grand Pier. After our dipping tea and maybe a quick shower I will follow the coast to Sandpoint on which then we will turn inland towards Congresbury the first day of my journey. 

Day 2. 

Early Friday morning I will follow the two rivers way from Congresbury to Keynsham. Maybe Stopping in chew stoke for Magical Secret swim. This is the longest walk so might need a head torch.

Day 3. 

Hopefully I will have reached Keynsham alive and in time for tea ,stopping overnight i will be looking for somewhere safe along the river for a morning dip. 

Saturday From Keynsham I will follow the river Avon trail towards Bristol city centre. past the floating harbour under the Clifton suspension bridge walking up through nightingale valley and back over that famous bridge, descending eventually to the hospital, maybe the safest place to be after a Mammoth walk. 

Any tips, hints or help concerning my journey will be greatly Appreciated.

If you can’t walk with me do it in spirt please wish me luck and share my story and my cause. Lets all support above and beyond in anyway you can to improve cancer patients time at the worst of times.