2,190 miles, 6 months & 2 pairs of socks...

On 15th March of this year I fly out to Atlanta, Georgia, taking my first few steps of the few thousand towards my end goal in Portland, Maine, a whole 13 states later. 

I was 12 years old when I read Bill Bryson's A Walk in The Woods, and it's Bill, along with my parent's bookcase, that I have to blame.

This hike be the toughest challenge I've ever faced, but I'm excited, and I'm really happy to be walking it for a charity close to my heart. Guideposts has been working alongside the community of Oxfordshire for 46 years, working to support those who face a range of challenges, from dementia to autism, learning disabilities to mental health problems, their family and carers. Guideposts build on existing skills and connect people through information, support and friendship in the local community and I hope my walk raises much needed awareness and funds for this great charity.

Some fun facts about the trail involving numbers to keep you interested / for those who don't read long paragraphs...

16 - The number of times I, as a thru-hiker*, will climb up Mount Everest.

6,643 -The highest elevation in feet along the Appalachian Trail. That's the equivalent of the height of 475 double-decker buses. 

5,500 - The number of calories required for a hiker to maintain his or her body weight during a typical day of backpacking...In other words, I could eat 11 Big Macs throughout the day and still be at an energy deficiency.

Thank you for your support.