Hi all!

As many of you may know, last August, my family received to most devastating and heart wrenching news possible. That we would never get to see our Patrick again, with his big beautiful brown eyes, his long lanky legs and his deep mumbling voice. This has effected us all beyond what can be put into words. I myself ran back off to Australia to try and deal with it alone, cutting myself off from family, friends and those who loved me. On the outside all seemed fine, strong Laura always laughing and smiling, completely on top of the world. While on the inside I'm drowning, struggling to keep my head above water enough to just breathe, it's utterly exhausting.

I have decided to do something to help myself, something that most people think is extreme and crazy. But to me it seems like the most simple thing in the world; just one foot in front of the other.......... For 870 miles/ 1,400 km! Good for the body, the mind and soul. I am going to walk around the the whole coast of Wales, now known as the welsh coastal path.

It makes sense to me that if I'm going to do this for myself then why not help others while I do it? I have committed to raise £5,000 (A$10,000) for Welsh Hearts. Welsh hearts are currently running their Dai-Fib appeal, teaming up with the Welsh Rugby Union with the aim of providing defibrillators to hundreds of areas throughout Wales. If just one persons life can be saved by this appeal then it will be worth it! I also hope that my journey will help generally raise awareness about the Dai-Fib appeal and inspire others to help themselves and others around them.

Now, for one of Laura's crazy little twists, the top three donations will have the opportunity to; use me as a human advertising board for your company, or just simply make me look like a complete idiot!!! For example you could dress me up in silly hats, face masks, a tutu, a dress (a great match to muddy boots, backpack and bruised legs), perhaps a full fancy dress costume! As long as its easy and light enough to carry around and still safe to walk with over hiking gear I'll do it. I know I'm going to regret this when it comes to actually doing it. But people love to laugh at others misfortunes. 

As part of my personal healing, I've decided to take a walk for my brother, for myself and for Dai-Fib. Like all journeys there is much to plan, and likely to be many unexpected twists, hard times as well as inspiring moments. As well as taking months off work to do this I am personally going to donate £1,000 as this is something I feel very strongly about supporting. Would anybody like to join me on 'The Hike'? 

I will start hiking on the 13th August 2015.

Your friendship and support will mean so very much to me,

Laura (