Fundraising
South Downs Way
It only seems like 5 minutes since I walked Hadrian's Wall (84 miles) and here it is over a year later and I am walking the South Downs Way (glutton for punishment), but no seriously, walking is a great way to be able to raise money for the St. Thomas' Lupus Trust.
September 1st 2007, a sunny Saturday morning and the walk began at the western end of Eastbourne promenade. Before long we were walking on the beautiful but infamous 'Beachy Head' where, when looking to your left are sheer drops and the view of the sea as we walked along the South East coastline. The lion's share of the walk is rolling hills, at times very steep, meandering through woodlands and wild meadows, along chalk and flint paths, which were hard underfoot and many a blister was the outcome of those days.
As with every walk to get the best views the only way is up, and the South Downs Way was no exception, but the reward for those steep hills were panoramic views across southern England.
The weather was kind, sunshine all the way, sometimes too hot but once on the downs it became quite breezy and we welcomed the shade of the woodlands.
Although the miles seemed long and we ended each day footsore and weary, we passed through East Sussex through to West Sussex and on to Hampshire and Winchester Hill where, on a clear day the Isle of Wight can be seen.
We cracked on and, after 8 days of good walking we eventually reached Winchester, the Saxon capitol of England. We were elated to have completed this national trail and thought 'Eureka' but oh no, to complete this wonderful experience and with a final flourish we walked south alongside the river to one of the oldest charities, "The Abbey of St Cross" , where knocking on the Porter's Lodge door we were given a small mug of ale and a piece of bread, known as the 'Wayfarers Dole'. This in days gone by was given to weary travellers walking the downs, of which in these modern times we certainly attributed to ourselves.
I am glad to have done this walk and wish to thank everyone who sponsored me and thank you to my four friends, Andrea, Jayne, Jackie and Judith and my sister Joy who walked with me and kept me going. A special thank you to Jayne who organised the walk and did a superb job and also taught me to read an ordinance survey map, proving it's never too late to teach an 'old dog' new tricks.
Next year! who knows, I'm sure health permitting I will be putting my best foot forward.
Thanks again and Regards
Velma Dixon
A big thank you to Velma and her friends for undertaking another 'little stroll' on our behalf, the Sahara desert next year maybe? Also thank you to all the sponsors - a magnificent £1,234 was raised for us.
Home > Fundraising > Supporters in Action > South Downs Way
South Downs Way
It only seems like 5 minutes since I walked Hadrian's Wall (84 miles) and here it is over a year later and I am walking the South Downs Way (glutton for punishment), but no seriously, walking is a great way to be able to raise money for the St. Thomas' Lupus Trust.September 1st 2007, a sunny Saturday morning and the walk began at the western end of Eastbourne promenade. Before long we were walking on the beautiful but infamous 'Beachy Head' where, when looking to your left are sheer drops and the view of the sea as we walked along the South East coastline. The lion's share of the walk is rolling hills, at times very steep, meandering through woodlands and wild meadows, along chalk and flint paths, which were hard underfoot and many a blister was the outcome of those days.
As with every walk to get the best views the only way is up, and the South Downs Way was no exception, but the reward for those steep hills were panoramic views across southern England.
The weather was kind, sunshine all the way, sometimes too hot but once on the downs it became quite breezy and we welcomed the shade of the woodlands.
Although the miles seemed long and we ended each day footsore and weary, we passed through East Sussex through to West Sussex and on to Hampshire and Winchester Hill where, on a clear day the Isle of Wight can be seen.
We cracked on and, after 8 days of good walking we eventually reached Winchester, the Saxon capitol of England. We were elated to have completed this national trail and thought 'Eureka' but oh no, to complete this wonderful experience and with a final flourish we walked south alongside the river to one of the oldest charities, "The Abbey of St Cross" , where knocking on the Porter's Lodge door we were given a small mug of ale and a piece of bread, known as the 'Wayfarers Dole'. This in days gone by was given to weary travellers walking the downs, of which in these modern times we certainly attributed to ourselves.
I am glad to have done this walk and wish to thank everyone who sponsored me and thank you to my four friends, Andrea, Jayne, Jackie and Judith and my sister Joy who walked with me and kept me going. A special thank you to Jayne who organised the walk and did a superb job and also taught me to read an ordinance survey map, proving it's never too late to teach an 'old dog' new tricks.
Next year! who knows, I'm sure health permitting I will be putting my best foot forward.
Thanks again and Regards
Velma Dixon
A big thank you to Velma and her friends for undertaking another 'little stroll' on our behalf, the Sahara desert next year maybe? Also thank you to all the sponsors - a magnificent £1,234 was raised for us.
Home > Fundraising > Supporters in Action > South Downs Way
