UPDATE:

Unfortunately this years walk from London Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street has had to be cancelled due to ongoing problems with my knee.  In the past few weeks it has become clear that I would struggle to complete the first day, never mind the 120 miles that would follow.

As such Dave and Tony will still be completing the first day - London Marylebone to Uxbridge and we still hope to raise as much as possible for Beechwood. 

So sorry to have let everyone down.

Anna.x

Well, hello again!

Some of you may have followed us on our previous journey, but for those who have found us for the first time...here's what we're doing and why.

My name is Anna Stimpson, I live in Staffordshire and work on the railway as a Train Manager.

In August 2013 I lost a very dear friend, Jane Woods, to cancer.  Jane had worked on the railway as a  Train Driver at Manchester Piccadilly. 

During Jane's illness Beechwood Cancer Care helped Jane and her family no end.  Wanting to do one last thing for Jane and to give something back, in June 2014 I walked from my depot in Birmingham to Jane's, via the canals.  I was joined for the complete 111 mile journey by Dave Jackson of East Midlands Trains and by a number of other amazing friends for shorter stretches. Despite an original target of £500, we managed to raise a staggering £4,000.  I am still completely overwhelmed by the support we received from both friends and strangers throughout the walk.

The walk had been made harder by the fact that I'd undergone major knee surgery in September 2013.  Before setting off, I was told that I would require further surgery. August 2014 saw the latter happen...so...patched up and raring to go again....a new plan has been born! 

On June 6th 2015 we will be setting off to walk from London Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street, again via the canals.  We anticipate the route to be 145 miles long and we are aiming to complete it in 8 days.  A lot more training will be required....I've still not quite worked out how we completed last years!

It goes without saying that we are aiming higher with our sponsorship.  I'm setting our target at £5000. I know it's a big ask, but I really want us to smash it. So, please donate as much as you can.  If you are unable to donate, please help by spreading the word.  Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks to you in advance....I hope that you enjoy the journey with us.

Stimps.X