“My name is Luke, I’m five years old (nearly six), and before I go back to school (possibly) at the beginning of June I’m walking the distance from my town Hockley in Essex all the way to one of my favourite things to see in London, Big Ben! I am doing it to be healthier, and I’m also raising money for the Gold Geese Charity who support poorly children and their families in Essex, including my friend Charlie.”

One week ago, we noticed that Luke hadn’t been getting as much exercise as he should have been because of ‘lockdown,’ and he was developing a little bit of a Pom Bear tummy - nothing too serious, but I realised that he was getting his love of snacking and sitting on technology right from me! So, we decided to start walking together more to keep active, and within a week of just pottering around Hockley together we had completed five walks - four lots of 5km and even one at 6km!

26km is almost half the distance by road from Hockley to Luke’s favourite place in London, Big Ben! So, we decided to challenge ourselves to walk the rest of the distance before the beginning of June when as a Year One pupil, he is (probably) going back to school. 

Luke’s ASD means that he only eats a limited range of foods, so everything’s a little bit beige and crunchy, but we’re already noticing a slight difference by getting out more. I’m also a stone lighter by trying to set a better example for him and our other two Emma (3) and James (2).

We practice social distancing at all times, and Luke even tells passers-by who look over 50 that he can’t stop and chat because they are ‘old’ and they might get Coronavirus. 

As well as getting healthier, we are going to try and raise money for Gold Geese as they support children with cancer and their families in Essex in so many different ways, including Luke’s friend Charlie who is thankfully coming towards the end of his treatment for leukaemia. If we complete this with time to spare, we may even get a chance to go planespotting at Heathrow Airport as well (his favourite hobby), but that’s an extra 22km!

Thanks for your support,

Simon and Luke!

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