Hello friends, family and fellow hill walkers. 

We all have a bucket list and one of mine is to walk the Coast to Coast from St Bees to Robin Hoods Bay in the footsteps of my hero Wainwright, before I am 70 next year. (sobering thought).  So, after many months of planning and preparation I am challenging myself to complete this 190 mile long walk.

As a dedicated fell walker myself I spend many hours on the hills every week with my best two mates, Katy (my wife) and Ben (my faithful Labrador).  So I should be fit enough to complete and enjoy the challenge in good time by Friday 18th August 2017.  At least this is my target and goal!

But I am not doing this totally on my own.  My amazing, determined niece Tracey Walker is my Coast to Coast Buddy, who I 'encourage' up mountains and over streams in all kinds of weather.  Tracey has completed many marathon walks in aid of her chosen charities she loyally supports, but has never done any hill or fell walking, so this is a great challenge for her on the walks she is sharing with me.

Of course we couldn't do this without the help and support of our terrific Coast to Coast support team.  I call them our 'drop off and pick up 'Prosecco guys'. Katy and Nigel (my bro' friend) have the logistic transport nightmare throughout this walk and it means many early hours and lots of travel.  We couldn't do the walk without their help which is much appreciated.  Apparently the endless coffees and cakes en- route is taking its toll!!

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BUT this is not only a personal challenge for me, as I am hoping to raise funds to support all our local Mountain Search and Rescue Teams in the Lake District.  I am sure you are all aware that fell walking can at times be difficult and even dangerous in all sorts of unpredictable weather conditions. No matter how experienced a fell walker may be, you never know when you may need the assistance and help of the Search and Rescue Volunteer Teams.  These volunteers are so amazing and turn out in all weather conditions risking their own lives to help rescue people and animals in all kinds of trouble and danger all over the Lake District.

So I hope you will feel able to make a contribution, no matter how small, to my fund raising effort in order to support  the Lake District Mountain Search and Rescue Association, to enable it to continue to carry out its essential rescue work. This Association supports all the Lake District Teams and is solely funded by voluntary contributions.

I will personally match all contributions

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.  Safe walking to every one of you, everywhere in the Lake District.

                                                      NEVILLE



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