In August 2018 we said a sad farewell to Dad. For those that knew him he had the most amazing zeal for life, but he was happiest when he was driving around the coast line of his beloved Northern Ireland, in particular the North Antrim Coast. 

For my birthday in 2018, he and mum had promised to buy me new walking boots. Sadly dad died a week before my birthday and never saw me get my new boots. 

I had decided that in August this year, I would don those boots and walk 200km in Northern Ireland in approximately 10 days. In May however, my training came to a grinding halt. I was emergency admitted to Coronary Care and spent 5 days wired up for sound. I've now got an implant that is monitoring my heart and I still get symptoms (basically the electrical wiring of the heart isn't working properly so I get chest pains, shortness of breath and sudden loss of energy). My plans were shot to pieces, and for many weeks I wasn't sure if I was going to do my walk. Slowly I have been rebuilding my fitness levels again, though still have a bit to go. I've been advised not to walk in remote areas on my own, and not to climb mountains, but otherwise I can proceed. So with all that in mind, I revised my plans. Some friends are flying over from England to walk with me at various parts and to give support (aren't friends amazing). 

The proposed plan is to start at Magilligan, walking around the coast, through Dad's favourite place on earth, Portballintrae. Then on towards Ballycastle. It's then off to Rathlin Island to walk the whole way around it.To avoid mountains, I will then double back from Ballycastle and walk back to Portstewart, ending in the place where Dad loved nothing more than getting an ice cream from Morellis. 

It will be in memory of Dad. I will be walking exactly a year after he started to deteriorate in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, and will be walking on the anniversary of his death and funeral.

Prior to January 2017 I thought that 3 miles was a long walk. While I currently do put over a 100 miles in a month, I have never attempted a trek like this, covering long distances continuously day after day. (To be sensible, I have had to build in two rest days just in case I get hit by chest pains and have to stop). This walk is going to be a huge challenge for me both physically and in many ways mentally. Any support will be appreciated, whether that is coming and walking 5 miles with me or donating to this amazing cause. 

Macmillan gave dad, and our family the most fantastic support,  so I hope that by doing this fundraising they can go on helping other families through tough times.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Macmillan Cancer Support are here to help you find your best way through from the moment of diagnosis, so you’re able to live life as fully as you can. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs.