In August last year,  I set myself a challenge to virtually walk the distance of Land's End to John O' Groats in one year,  taking the 'scenic' route this equates to 1083.2 miles. I set out to do this as a personal challenge to myself with the aim to get fitter and healthier.

As I started out, my brother Arnold, 53, was in Intensive Care in Aberdeen Hospital following the result of a serious fall off his quad bike. Arnold had sustained a huge chest trauma and his injuries were made all the more complicated due to his underlying lung problems.

In 1981 at the age of 14, Arnold became fairly unwell and tests in Aberdeen Hospital revealed he had Pulmonary Sarcoidosis, then in the years that followed it was discovered that he had developed Farmer's Lung. He was a typical hard working farmer and farm contractor, he dealt well with his illness; nothing was going to stop him achieving what he wanted in life. He was prescribed steroids for many years and few people knew that he was living with such a serious health problem.

Unfortunately with one set back after another whilst fighting for his life in ICU for 6.5 weeks, Arnold's lungs were unable to recover and he sadly passed away on the 22nd August 2020.

I have therefore since decided that I will continue on my mission to walk Land's End to John O' Groats in memory of Arnold whilst also trying to raise money for a worthy charity. Along with Arnold's wife Angela, and children, Erica, Garry and Euan, we have chosen the British Lung Foundation, a charity which funds ground-breaking research and gives people living with lung conditions access to life-changing support. 

Due to the current COVID19 restrictions, it was not possible to organise an open traditional funeral and give Arnold the send off he was so deserving of. Instead, it is hoped that people will be able to offer their support in Arnold's memory and donate to this worthwhile cause to help others living with similar conditions.

Thank you for visiting my Just Giving page, I will be posting regular updates on my progress as I manage to complete the miles.

Avril x