Walk the Thames Path for Oxford Breast Buddy Group:

Friday September 29th ; Saturday 30th and Sunday October 1st

From OBBG Trustee, Becky Stoddart

This year as part of OBBG’s fundraising efforts we are planning to walk a section of the Thames Path, a beautiful National trail, parts of which we will all be familiar. The three days will take us from Newbridge to the west of Oxford to Cholsey in the south of the county – covering a total of 40 miles.

Friday 29th September: Day One:

Newbridge to Folly Bridge in the centre of Oxford, approximately 15 miles. I’m hoping we can park at the Rose Revived pub (start) and The Redbridge Park and Ride at the other end. Although if we can lift share it will have less impact on the pub’s trade. The plan is for those who are not walking to meet us with refreshments and support at a halfway point – around Eynsham Toll Bridge.

Saturday 30th September: Day Two

Folly Bridge to Clifton Hampden with a break in Abingdon at about lunchtime. There is ample parking at the Barley Mow, Clifton Hampden pub on the Long Wittenham side of the bridge.

Sunday 1st October: Day Three

Clifton Hampden to Cholsey – with Benson waterfront (in a park to the side) a natural halfway point.

Again, our cheerleaders will be there to support us.

Each morning of the walk we aim to meet at the starting point at 10am. We appreciate that people will walk at different speeds; and it is fine if you only walk small sections of the path. You might choose to walk on just one day of the three; or even a half day only. We want the walk to be flexible to cater for everyone and enable people to fundraise for OBBG and get behind the challenge.

On the Sunday, the plan is to celebrate our walking achievements with a BBQ at our house in Cholsey (catering details TBC). There is some parking at home but usually plenty in surrounding roads.

The idea behind this walk is more than just to raise precious funds for OBBG, a charity which is very dear to us all, not least for the wonderful support network for those undergoing treatment - including our post-op 'goody bags with our trademark heart-shaped cushion and patient folders - but for the diversity of topics allied to recovery by our fabulous guest speakers.

We hope that as many OBBG members will participate alongside any family or friends who may wish to join us; for as many or as few days or sections as they feel able. Thanks, too, to those who already expressed an interest in taking part – either walking, helping with refreshments and/or gifting resources for the occasion.

I’m planning on bringing my dog, a very energetic Springer! Well-behaved dogs are, of course, welcome.

Fundraisers can create individual fundraising pages directly from this campaign page (and connect their fundraising pages directly to this campaign).

Let’s hope the weather stays clement and we gain a great sense of accomplishment for our efforts, keep up the training - and good luck with your fundraising.

Many thanks for your support in advance.

Here's a link to my JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/rebekah-stoddart-1689586814777.

Becky Stoddart

OBBG Trustee

PS: We will send additional details for fundraisers in due course. Any additional questions about taking part; volunteering on refreshments' stand and sponsorship/donating, email Sarah at: obbg@oxfordbreastbuddygroup.co.uk