In 2018, I began to experience constant chronic hip pain and mobility issues, which sadly got progressively worse despite a lot of physio and medication. I struggled to walk around a shop… I couldn’t stand for long enough to prepare dinner… I was unable to drive… even sleeping was hard. For me, being able to climb a hill or walk through a beautiful meadow had become a distant dream. 

I was fortunate enough to meet a very talented surgeon and, in September 2020, I finally had the operation to repair the damage to my hip. The recovery itself was a bumpy journey and there were moments I felt like I had gone back to square one. It took a lot of patience and determination but I built up enough strength and stability to stop using crutches 9 months later. I was able to get back outdoors to explore our glorious countryside, which has meant so much to me. Words will never describe how it feels to have my freedom back, but now I go walking daily to appreciate how lucky I am to be mostly pain-free and have full mobility again.

By September 2022, I had trained hard and pushed myself to walk 100km (62miles) continuously all day and night along the South Coast. It was hard both mentally and physically, but I was so thankful for every step that I have decided to push myself even further this year. In 2023, I am now aiming to walk over 1000km (620miles) in 12 Ultra Marathons. Wish me luck! 

1. 28 January - Winter Walk (42.5km) 
2. 29 April - Isle of Wight (109km)
3. 13 May - Jurassic Coast (100km)
4. 27 May - London to Brighton (100km)
5. 10 June - Lake District (100km)
6. 24 June - Cotswolds (100km)
7. 8 July - Peak District (100km)
8. 22 July - North Downs (50km)
9. 5 August - South West Coast (50km)
10. 2 September - South Coast (100km)
11. 9 September - Thames Path (100km)
12. 23 September - Chilterns (50km)

If you would like to sponsor my insanity, I’m raising money for The British Orthopaedic Association who do amazing research and educate professionals in injuries like mine, and all other musculoskeletal issues. Roughly 1 in 3 of us in the UK will suffer from a musculoskeletal disorder, require joint replacement, or be involved in a major limb trauma at some point in our lives. BOA fund research into improving treatment to help more people, like myself, get back on their feet and regain their independence. 

There are over 20 million people in the UK living with a musculoskeletal condition. That’s about a third of the population. And it’s not limited to the elderly. Children and young people suffer too, with 11 per cent of those affected being under 35. Joint Action by the British Orthopaedic Association raises funds for research into orthopaedic treatments to improve the quality of life of those who suffer from arthritis, bone cancer and other adult or paediatric conditions, or to those who have endured a major trauma.