Angela White's 160 Miles of Grit for a Great Cause: Supporting Headway South Cumbria
Headway South Cumbria is raising money for Headway - the brain injury association
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Challenge Complete: Beyond Expectations
Against some of the most challenging conditions imaginable, we made it! The combination of extreme weather and treacherous ground conditions, think swamps, mud and more mud plus bogs, including one that tried to swallow me whole, turned an already demanding challenge into something that tested every ounce of determination.
But here's what kept me going: every donation notification, every message of support, and knowing that each step, no matter how painful, was contributing to Headways’ mission.
Your incredible generosity has been overwhelming. These funds will directly support people and their families living with life after acquired brain injury. While I'm still counting the physical cost during recovery, knowing the difference your donations will make transforms every ache into a reminder of what we've achieved together.
To everyone who has donated please know that your generosity will create real change. Every penny counts, every penny helps, and every penny makes the recovery process worthwhile.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Angela
On January 13th, I’m taking on the Spine Challenger North— a 160 mile, non-stop race along the Pennine Way in winter, battling everything the British weather can throw at us in sub-zero temperatures. It’s a gruelling challenge, but I’m determined to raise funds for Headway South Cumbria (HWSC), a charity close to my heart that supports individuals with acquired brain injuries.
This journey comes with extra hurdles for me: just a few months ago, I underwent knee surgery. I’m not fully recovered, and my training has been limited. But I’d rather be moving a dot than watching dots!
2024 was a tough year
Amongst its challenges, one of my children suffered a brain haemorrhage during an accident—a deeply stressful event. The immediate care they received from the NHS ambulance service and Stoke Mandeville Hospital was excellent, but we quickly learned that the journey doesn’t end there.
For many, the transition from acute care to life beyond is marked by gaps in support. In South Cumbria, these gaps are particularly wide. Our local hospital hasn’t had a neurology consultant for over two years, with services provided out of county and waiting lists now exceeding 735 days.
That’s where Headway South Cumbria steps in.
HWSC offers vital guidance, practical help, and a lifeline for families navigating the complexities of brain injury recovery. They fill the gap when we need them most, providing:
• Advice and guidance tailored to our needs
• Help navigating rehabilitation services
• Practical support for adapting to life after brain injury
• Social activities and connections with others facing similar challenges
Their work makes a tangible difference, and I want to give back by raising funds to help them continue their mission.
How you can help
Every donation goes directly to this small but essential charity, ensuring they can keep supporting individuals and families at their most vulnerable moments.
Follow my progress and support me
I’ll be carrying a tracking device throughout the event—watch my dot move as I tackle the Pennine Way! You can follow my journey at this link where I am competitor number 604:
Thank you for any support you can offer, whether through a donation, sharing this page, or cheering me on from afar. Together, we can help Headway South Cumbria provide the care and guidance that so many rely on.