This April, Neil Thompson, Romsey Mill’s Fundraising and Communications Manager, is taking on a personal fundraising challenge to complete a continuous walk from London to Cambridge on his 60th birthday.

To mark the occasion, Neil is going to walk from Hammersmith in London, where he was born, to Romsey Mill Centre in Cambridge– a distance of 60 miles! The two-day walk, including an overnight walk, will end on Tuesday 15th April, when Neil turns 60.

The date also marks Neil’s 10th Anniversary as a member of the Romsey Mill team.

Neil says:

“For much of time with Romsey Mill, I have been creating opportunities for others to raise funds for Romsey Mill by undertaking physical challenges, such as our Yorkshire Three Peaks treks, or the Cambridge Half Marathon.

So, I thought that my 60th birthday provided the ideal opportunity to put my own walking boots on and do something myself.

When I was at a football game in London last year, I visited the place where I was born and found out that it was very near to being 60 miles from there to Romsey Mill. The germ of an idea was planted, and I began to plot a route.”

During the challenge, Neil is walking with various family members and friends, including one friend who will be walking the whole way with him.

Neil says:

“In my time with Romsey Mill, I have seen, at close hand, the importance of 'being with' those who are facing adversity and dealing with disadvantage, as they overcome challenge in their lives.

I often say that I work with amazing people who are with amazing people.

The young people, children and families that our youth and family workers are with are inspiring. They show resilience, character and preservation to overcome challenge.

I am really excited to be taking on this particular challenge.

I will welcome every offer of support and encouragement, whether that is through sponsorship or donations, well-wishing, or walking alongside me for one or more of the 60 miles between London and Cambridge."