26 Mile Hike for Macmillan - 19th July

In January I did something slightly crazy and signed up for the Cotswolds Mighty Hike on the 19th July 2025, to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. We are all affected by cancer in our lives and this is a real challenge for me so I signed up to do what I can for a great cause.

This is a 26 mile hike from Stow-on-the-Wold to Blenheim Palace in the middle of the summer. While I love hiking I have never done anything approaching this distance before and I don't much enjoy walking in extreme heat (and if you know me well you'll know I really don't enjoy crowds of people)!!! So, I'm a little bit bonkers but I figured I needed to give this ago at 47 before I start wearing out body parts! I'm hoping the views on the day are going to be fantastic!

Body parts.... So, training isn't going great as I sprained my achilles in March but I am absolutely determined to be ready for the full hike in July. I'm writing this approaching May Day and at the moment I'm re-learning how to walk more slowly (than my usual stride) and the achilles is improving :-) but hasn't got beyond 5 miles yet. Small steps... I'm starting my fundraiser now so hopefully you can help me find the motivation I need to keep training with my challenged foot!

I'd be so grateful if you could help me reach my £250 pledge, which can pay for a Macmillan Nurse for one day. This could provide people living with cancer and their families essential medical, practical and emotional support. Macmillan are amazing and need our help.

Thank you!

Sam