Hey all,

On Tuesday 24th July I decided to walk from Leytonstone to Southall (about 30 miles) to raise money for AMREF. I thought of this idea while in the shower on Saturday and for no particular reason apart from I missed Southall after working in an election there and it reminded me of India. 

I also set myself a task of raising £1000 in a day before the task (on Monday 23rd July) I managed to raise about £100 with £200 of promises, so now I'm changing the goal posts. I still want to raise that money but am allowing myself some extra time to do it so donate donate donate!!!! It is for a very very worthwhile charity!

It started off as a bit of a con - of course everybody knows that all politicians are liars. I intended to raise the money but wasn't sure about the walk - I thought I could get away with just winging it and maybe going with a bucket and raising money on the tube and just turning up in Southall having raised loads. I wasn't really sure and I didn't really want to plan anything - especially as everybody was urging me to carefully map out the route. I'm not very good at listening to advice (and as Sonika says am a bit mad.)

Anyway, at 1pm on Tuesday I changed my mind and started my walk wondering how long it was going to take me especially as I didn't really know where I was going.

It was good fun and I enjoyed it. Everybody should take a day out now and then - and see different parts of the world. Maybe you all do - I don't know. I saw bits of A-roads, tarmac and spaghetti flyovers that I've never seen before.

I also loved Victoria park, the atmosphere down Bethnal Green Road, the bemusement of the genteel lady in Fulham who I asked directions to Southall, the long walk down the Thames, the ache in my left knee and the friends I briefly spoke to along the way to tell I was in Ealing, or Fulham or god knows where and that I couldn't wait to get to Giftos in Southall for a lamb chop.

I got to Ealing hospital at 9pm after 8 hours of walking (and I must confess I took the 195 to Southall Broadway right at the end - is that cheating - I'll let you decide. I didn't use a A-Z just directions from passers by, maps on bus stops and my instincts, and I only stopped for half an hour for lunch with my mum in a majestic pub near Bank tube station called the function rooms with pictures of old aristocrats on the walls.

Anyway, enough of my waffle - I made it - but it is really important that we raise some money for a great cause. Thanks to all those that have supported me so far and here's to all the donations in the future.

Naz x