When this all started, it was never meant to become anything this big.

It started with a walk to Canterbury Cathedral.

The first time, we tried.

And we failed.

We got as far as we could, but we did not make it. We had to stop, turn back, and accept that the journey had beaten us that day.

But that failure stayed with us.

It did not make us want to give up.

It made us want to try again.

So we did.

The second time, we went back out and walked to Canterbury Cathedral again.

And this time, we made it.

That moment meant something to us. It proved that failing once did not mean the story was over. It just meant we had to come back stronger, better prepared, and more determined.

Then came the next challenge.

Dover Castle.

A 30-mile walk from Dane Valley to Dover Castle to raise money for 1st Garlinge Scout Group.

It was the hardest thing we have ever done.

We started with excitement, nerves, porridge, backpacks, water bottles and the confidence of two people who had absolutely no idea what their legs were about to go through.

As the miles went on, the walk became more than just a fundraiser.

It became a journey.

There were beautiful moments.

People stopping us along the way.

Kind words from strangers.

Local businesses letting us refill water and use toilets.

Messages coming in online.

Donations appearing while we were still walking.

People following the journey every five miles.

There were funny moments too.

The kind of silly, tired, ridiculous moments that only happen when two people have been walking for hours and their brains have started to give up before their bodies do.

But there were also low moments.

Pain.

Blisters.

Chafing.

Exhaustion.

Darkness.

Stairs we were not emotionally prepared for.

Hills that felt personal.

Moments where we both talked about giving up, even though deep down we knew we would not.

Towards the end, things got really difficult.

We were tired, sore, moving slower and trying to stay focused. We got separated near St Margaret’s, phone signal became a nightmare, and Kalel had a panic attack.

For a moment, the walk could have ended there.

And nobody would have blamed him.

Nobody would have blamed either of us.

But after calming down, getting warm, breathing, and taking a moment, Kalel asked how far was left.

When he realised we were so close, he made the decision to keep going.

That moment will stay with me forever.

Because that was not just about walking.

That was courage.

That was someone choosing not to let fear, panic, pain or exhaustion take the ending away from him.

And somehow, around midnight, we made it to Dover Castle.

By the time we arrived, the castle lights had gone off.

Which felt about right, really.

We had walked 30 miles to Dover Castle and even the castle had gone to bed before us.

But we had done it.

We had actually done it.

When we first set up this fundraiser, I honestly thought we might raise £25 or £30.

The original target was £500.

Thanks to the unbelievable kindness of the community, we have now raised over £1,000 for 1st Garlinge Scout Group.

That still does not feel real.

This fundraiser means so much because Scouting gives young people more than just activities. It gives them confidence, friendship, belonging, skills, memories and opportunities they may carry with them for the rest of their lives.

As a former Scout, a Squirrels leader, and a parent of a child in Squirrels, I know how powerful that can be.

After looking back through 1st Garlinge Scout Group Facebook posts, the biggest single fundraiser I can find was £1,717.92 from a Tesco bag pack in December 2024.

So now we have a new goal.

£1,800.

If we reach £1,800, me and Kalel will go back to Dover Castle.

And this time, we will walk from Dover Castle back home to Dane Valley.

Not the same route backwards.

A completely new route.

Around 29.3 miles.

From Dover Castle, through places including Betteshanger, Eastry, Ash, Monkton, Quex Park, Garlinge and back to Dane Valley.

After everything we went through getting to Dover Castle, the thought of standing there again and choosing to walk home from it feels emotional, terrifying, ridiculous and meaningful all at the same time.

Because this would not just be another walk.

It would be the return leg.

The next chapter.

The walk back.

The challenge of saying: we made it there once, now let’s see if we can make it home.

From failing to reach Canterbury Cathedral, to trying again and making it.

From walking to Dover Castle and pushing through every painful mile.

To now asking whether we can go back there and walk all the way home.

This has become more than a fundraiser.

It has become a story of friendship, determination, community, mental strength, and young people being given more opportunities through Scouting.

Every donation helps 1st Garlinge Scout Group continue giving young people adventures, memories, confidence and chances they deserve.

Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, supported us, followed the journey, or believed in us so far.

We are honestly still blown away.

And if we reach £1,800…

Me and Kalel will go back to Dover Castle.

And we will walk home.