Richard vs COVID was a story that many of you may have followed, with its extreme highs and lows, culminating in our current situation where my Dad is now on the road to recovery in the Neuro Rehab centre in Trafford.

We are expecting him to be home by the beginning of September and seeing as I am at rather a loose end at the moment (thanks COVID...) I have decided to pass this time by walking 630 miles along the whole South West Coast Path.

I will be walking a path from Minehead to Poole, whilst Richard walks (wheels?) a path to recovery. Whilst I'm wild camping in the cold, working my muscles to their limits and plastering the blisters on my feet, I ask you to support me (and Richard) by helping to raise money for three causes, a third of the amount raised going to each one:

1. ICU Steps - a charity that offers support and information for patients and family members when they are suffering a critical illness. We found support and hope here, on their forums, during a time when we felt like we were the only ones in this situation. https://www.icusteps.org/

2. Manchester Royal Infirmary Charity - although we are based in Cheshire, Richard was the first person to be put on a ventilator through COVID in Macclesfield Hospital. Manchester Royal Infirmary decided to consolidate the cases in the area to ensure they all received the same treatment so called him in (obviously unbenownst to him!). He was transported to MRI and they saved his life. For this we will be forever grateful. This charity supports projects which benefit their patients and their families, particularly when they have long or frequent stays in hospital. https://mftcharity.org.uk/mri

3. Home adjustments needed to ensure a smooth recovery - although a lot of support is provided through social services and the NHS, we have already had to spend money on equipment such as physio tables and a slimmer wheelchair to fit down the side of the house, and there is no telling all the other adjustments we are going to need to make to ensure Richard is comfortable and settled at home whilst he continues his recovery and into his future. One third of the money raised is going to go towards helping the Bower Family finiancially to achieve these goals.

I have already begun this journey, making a test trip for 3 nights from Minehead to Ilfracome, then returining home to consolidate kit and spend more time planning with Richard. However, I am beggining the rest of the path, from Ilfracome to Poole, on Saturday 26th July.

If you wish to follow along, I will be reporting my progress on this blog: Walking the South West Coast Path for Richard's Recovery

Thank you!