🌏 "They told me I’d never walk properly again."

Two hip replacements. Two years of relentless pain. Being told to accept sticks, accept limits, accept a smaller life. HELL NO!! This October, I’m walking sections of the Great Wall of China with my 14-year-old son to prove that "you can’t" doesn’t get the final word — and to raise £6,600 for children in our community who are fighting battles of their own.

In October 2026, my son and I will be walking sections of the Great Wall of China — tackling four, five, six and even eight-hour trekking days. Right now, I can walk for about an hour. I can run for about two minutes on a treadmill. This is, without question, the biggest physical challenge of my life. But the reason I’m doing it goes much deeper.

MY STORY

I’ve had two hip replacements 5 weeks apart as the first one left my leg too long. After my second surgery, I was left in intense pain for over two years. I was eventually diagnosed with a trapped nerve in my groin — but before that, I was told: Not all hip replacements work; nothing more could be done; I should accept this as my new life; I would never walk properly unaided again; never run; never ride a horse; and in my opinion, lose my independence.

HOWEVER... refusing to take no for an answer and following a third surgery that finally fixed the impingement, I began rehab. Slowly, painfully, but determined to get better..... and I proved them wrong!!

I walked again. I ran again. I even rode again!

And now I'm taking on the biggest challenge of my life to date - The Great Wall of China.

Thankfully, I won’t be doing it alone! My son will be 14 when we go and he has chosen to join me for moral support. I am incredibly proud of him for wanting to be part of something bigger than himself.

We are walking together to raise £6,600 for Visyon — a charity based in Congleton that supports children and young people struggling with their mental health. As a parent of three, this cause feels deeply personal. Thankfully, my children haven’t needed their support — yet. But at 11 and 13 now, I know how vulnerable these years will be.

Visyon provides a safe, compassionate space for children who are overwhelmed or anxious — and they rely heavily on fundraising to continue their life-changing work.

What Your Donation Could Do:

£7 could provide an exercise ball — giving a child freedom to move and express themselves during therapy sessions.

£15 could fund materials for a self-care kit — helping mental wellbeing continue gently at home.

£28 could wrap a child in warmth with a soft blanket — acting like a comforting hug when words aren’t quite enough.

£60 could fund a counsellor supervision session — supporting those who support our children.

£120 could keep the phone lines open for a day — allowing worried children and parents to take that first brave step towards support.

£145 could fund a workshop for parents or schools — equipping adults with tools to better understand children's mental health needs.

£960 could change a life by funding up to 12 counselling sessions for one young person.

Your generosity could be the turning point in their journey!

Together we can create safe spaces for young minds!

Why This Matters:

This isn’t just about walking a wall in China; it’s about resilience! It’s about showing our children that “you can’t” doesn’t mean “you won’t.” It’s about supporting other children when life feels overwhelming!

Every donation—no matter the size—brings us closer to our £6,600 goal and helps Visyon continue their vital work in Congleton and surrounding areas!

If you can donate or share this story or introduce me to any businesses who may wish to sponsor this challenge—I would be so grateful!

This is the biggest challenge of my life!

And I'm giving it everything! (with the help of Jasper!)💛🌏

Love Keri & Jasper xx