Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.  For pictures please see www.terena.co.uk/walk.html

We walked the South Downs for Save the Children.  George and Matilda the miniature horses were keen to support children right across the world as they understand what it is like to be small and vulnerable.  Splash, Wocki and Swift (the dogs) were keen to walk as so many children are their friends so they know how wonderful children are and how they deserve a safe life.

I have to say that this was the best holiday of my entire life - and it raised money for Save the children.  I have spent time with fantastic friends, time alone for reflection and wonder and have seen the most beautiful views that I believe exist on this planet.  The South Downs may not be as dramatic as Scotland, or other parts of the world but they hold the wonder of our history.  As I have walked I have seen places where our ancestors are buried in Bronze age burial mounds, I have seen places where flint was mined, and  I have walked on drove roads where shepherds moved their flocks of sheep.  My feet have walked in the footsteps of those that made this landscape.  As I stepped off the foot of the South Downs Way, my heart leaped as I had completed my challenge, but I felt a deep deep sadness to be leaving those perfect and wonderful hills.

Origninally the South Downs and North Downs were the edges of a huge hill.  Over time the weather and rivers have worn the hill away until the centre is flat, creating the Weald and only the edges remain to make the hills that today we recognise as so special.  Today, many people wander the South Downs and people choose to live beside their splendeor, but we are the very factors that place them in jeopardy.  We are wearing them down and scaring them with our feet, our bikes and our roads......... but worse than this we are draining the very life out of them by overusing the water that we take from beneath their surface.  If we are not careful we will push the Downs to their limit, the water table will drop and the rivers will dramatically reduce their flow.  Wildlife and plants will be in danger.

If there is one thing I have learnt whilst walking ......... nature should be respected and loved . but most of all 'cared for'!!

We started with 2 x people, 3 x dogs and 2 x horses.  I was worried about little Swift the dog making it across the Downs, I was worried about my old dog Splash walking that far, and I was worried about the little legs of George and Matilda the horses  .........  Swift amazingly managed the whole walk on her little legs riddled with arthritis!!  Wocki had bounced all the way!!

Day one we all finished with aching limbs and a dire need of food .... but extremely happy.

Day two we noticed that Splash my very old dog was showing signs of backache and a lunchtime she decided she had had enough and so my friend Mark kindly took her to his car and she slept for the remainder of the day on the back seat until she was taken to his house for a big meal and a good sofa to sleep on overnight.  The horses began to show signs of sore feet after lunch because the flinty paths were harsh on their little hooves.  Cat bound their feet to protect them and they struggled at a painfully slow pace to our overnight accommodation.  Pasha and I slept with them in the barn, accommodation kindly provided by Andrew and Jane at Elstead.

Day three saw Andrew drive the horses home as I decided that to keep the horses walking would be unfair and becoming unkind.  I think they were sad to go home but also relieved - I will complete the walk again with them later this year!!  Unfortuately day three later saw Pasha collapse in pain as her left leg gave way.  She bravely limped towards help with tears of frustration and pain running down her face - her husband collected her later that day. (no lasting damage and still recovering).  Sarah from Daltons joined me on 'Big' the horse and kept all our spirits raised, and I must say that after walking with my little friends George and Matilda he was rather a large friendly chap.

Day four I was joined again by Cat and Mark and their 2 dogs Willow and Smudge.  A fantastic day, with fantastic views ..... best of all - Splash was back walking again!!

Day five - I again had the perfect company of Cat and Mark and their dogs - this really is an amazing walk with history wrapped around your feet every step of the way.

Day six and seven - I was joined by Kate and her dog Molly - we fell down holes, jumped fences to avoid skittish cows, laughed, and stood in wonder at the sky and landscape.

The last day - day eight - I walked alone with my dogs .........it was wonderful ....... I was sad to finish.   Splash, Wocki and Swift crossed the finish line with me!!  Cat met me at the end and took me to get a massive cream tea to celebrate!!  Perfect end to a perfect (yes really!!) eight days.

If you ever have the opportunity to make this walk - never turn it down!