Andrew goes for 106km

When people ask me why I do what I do, my response has always been ‘because I can’. It’s as simple as that.

Walking is as much a part of me and who I am, as my name, and being able to throw myself into challenges is something that I will continue to do.

It’s only been a little over 6 months since my beautiful, sweet, courageous friend Jess lost her fight for life, though I think about her often and about the impact she made on me, and it spurs me on to keep raising money and walking in her memory.

Why did I chose the Isle of Wight challenge? Firstly because it’s the earliest event of the year and therefore the weather will (hopefully) be bearable. Secondly, it’s because the walk is 106km which is 6km more than the London to Brighton walk I did. Not content with doing a few extra km, this time I’m doing the continuous walk instead of splitting it over two days. Am I mad? Insane? Off the scale mental? We’ll find out in 266 days time.

Once again, the charity I’m doing this for is The Teenage Cancer Trust. One of the things I couldn’t get my head round when Jess passed away was the fact that someone so young should have to go through so much, and yet still lose their battle. It’s heartbreaking and it’s simply not fair.

As always, this is for you Jess. You inspire me to walk and to raise money, and you inspire me to be a better person.