Story
Climbing the Wrekin 28 times in 28 days!
My challenge is to climb to the summit of the Wrekin every day in the month of February 2010.
The challenge is over, BUT YOU CAN STILL DONATE!
Click on the "Donate now" button above.
Day 28 UPDATE: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! I was joined for my final ascent by my Dad (Smudger Smith), Steve, Barry, Andy and Codie. We also met Chris and Kasia, who had come independently to climb and to wish us well. Despite terrible forecasts, the weather was fine and visibility was good. I've been really lucky with the weather this month. It could certainly have been a lot worse.
Thanks very much for everyone who has donated and offered support and encouragement in so many ways.
Where?
The Wrekin is a hill near Wellington in Shropshire. For anyone who doesn't know the Wrekin already, please come and see it.
See here
What?
I'm walking up to the top of the Wrekin and back to the bottom 28 times in the month of February. That's once a day for those who struggle with sums. On weekdays, this means starting at around 6am in order to get into work in plenty of time. At weekends, I can go whenever I like (and that's NOT 6am!). The top is 1335 feet above sea level, or 810 feet above the car park at the bottom. The walk from the car park to the top and back has been calculated as 2.75 miles. It typically takes me around an hour if I don't hang around looking at the scenery. There's not much to see at 6am at this time of year, but as you can see from the pictures, on a clear afternoon you can see for miles!
Who?
I'm 47 years old. I live in Shrewsbury with Loraine and our son Rowan. I work in Telford as a computer operator. I used to like running everywhere, but can't cope with it any more. I do still like a walk when I get a chance though. I have been vegan for nearly 27 years.
Why?
Haiti was devastated by a massive earthquake last month that killed over 240,000 people. Everything has been flattened and the survivors face terrible hardship as well as the threat of further deaths from hunger and disease. We owe it to them to do whatever we can to help.
See why we should care here
But why the Wrekin?
To be honest, it wasn't an original idea of mine. In fact I nicked it off a bloke called John from work who had already set up his own challenge for the same cause. I thought he was crazy, but felt it was important to show support. I went along at 05:45 on the 1st February to cheer him on and climbed the Wrekin with him and some other friends. Before I knew it, I was climbing every day and people were urging me to set up my own fund-raising challenge. So that's what I've done.
So who else is involved?
As I've said, I started doing the walks with John and his supporters and we still often walk together before work. These include Tracey, Aodhan, Tim, Steve, Colin, Alison and Chris. They give great encouragement and play an important part in this effort. Some days I just do it on my own.
On Saturdays, I walk with Loraine and Rowan. It's great to see a 5 year old enjoying hill walking so much! My friend Barry has walked with me on Sundays, which makes sure I'm not tempted to take a day off.
So what can you do?
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
If you want to show support for the cause, please feel free to donate via this site at any time. If you want to pledge an amount to be paid at the end of the challenge, or want to ask me anything about it, you can contact me directly at david.smith6969@virgin.net.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.
Thanks to all who have donated so far.
Cash donations received:
Margaret & Kev £20
Setonaikai, The Parade, Shrewsbury £5
Caroline & Andy £20
Paul J £5
Debbie D £10
Tamsin & Jim £20
Jim's curry club £10
Joyce & Steve £10
Jan & Roy £2
Irene £3
Sonia £5
Janice, Wild Thyme, Shrewsbury £5
Anne & Roy £5
Auntie Mildred £10
"Nan" Nancy £10
Sue & Nick £20
Auntie Sheila £10
Mick Long £10
Debbie and "Dave the vegan" £10
Jean Tomkins £20
Mike V £5
Zoe £5
Leila £20
May & Dave £5
Dave's Diary
Day 1: I met John, Tim and Tracey for the first time in the pitch darkness. I also met Chris, who I already knew. We climbed in the snow.
Day 2: Back again, we were joined by Aodhan (who I know from the gym at work), Steve, Colin and Tim's dog. We struggled down the hill now the snow has turned to ice (except for Tracey the mountain goat).
Day 3: Easier today. John & Colin again. Also Alison and another two guys who I didn't really speak to properly. A good, clear view of the Telford lights.
Day 4: Aodhan, Tracey and Steve again. Foggy at the top.
Day 5: John, Tim and Tim's dog. Really foggy.
Day 6: With Loraine and Rowan in the afternoon. Wow! That's what it all looks like in the light! One short rest on the way up, then lunch at the summit.
Day 7: With Barry, a friend from Shrewsbury. He's never been before, but has heard of the fantastic view. At 7am, we're covered in cloud. We can't even see the TV mast. He says he's never said hello to so many strangers in his life!
Day 8: All alone. When I stopped the car at the bottom, I was suddenly aware of the darkness, the silence and the isolation. Oh well, best foot forward. It's alright once you get moving.
Day 9: Tracey, Steve, Colin & Aodhan. Foggy.
Day 10: Alone again. Easier this time. Cold and clear.
Day 11: Aodhan, Alison & Steve.
Day 12: Tim and his dog.
Day 13: A lovely walk with Loraine & Rowan.
Day 14: A quick run up on my own late morning. I asked a complete stranger to take my photo.
Day 15: Tim and his dog in the fog.
Day 16: Tim and his dog.
Day 17: Aodhan, Alison & Steve.
Day 18: Aodhan. Foggy.
Day 19: Alone in the snow. Perfectly peaceful!
Day 20: With Loraine & Rowan. Snowball fights!
Day 21: A quick run up on my own.
Day 22: With Barry. The snow has turned to ice. Very dodgy coming down. Barry fell on his back. Ouch!
Day 23: With Aodhan. The ice is even worse today. We just about made it down without breaking our necks.
Day 24: I'm nearly famous. I was passing a man on my way down and he said "Are you the chap who was in the newspaper?". I can only assume that he saw the write-up I had in Monday night's Shropshire Star. Either that or he's mistaken me for Ashley Cole!
Day 25: Aodhan, Alison & Steve. We met a couple of guys at the top who had lost their dog. We found her at the bottom of the hill, so Alison and I decided to take her up to find her owners. Fortunately they were on their way down, so we didn't have to climb the whole hill twice!
Day 26: Alone again. The first rain I've had all month. Better than ice though!
Day 27: Joined today by Loraine and Rowan who have climbed with me every Saturday this month. Also by Frances, Rhona and Rory. A cool, but pleasant afternoon.