When the phone rang and Martin Tideswell asked if I'd join him and a few others in walking the Staffordshire Way, I said yes - then he told me how far it was and how long we'd have to do it.
93 miles in 4 days, starting from Mow Cop and finishing in Kinver. Wow.
But, all in aid of the terrific Dougie Mac who do amazing work and touch the lives of so many. Our pain, their gain. My intrepid fellow walkers were Martin Tideswell, Adam Yates, Gary Mellor, Rob Hope, Jane Shepherd and Gareth Higgins, who ably navigated and cheered for us all too! We were also supported throughout by the other Gary, driving the van and looking after our injuries.
We set off in blazing hot weather, and marched on for 4 days. I nearly cried in relief when it rained one day, and despite losing a toe nail, it was the best experience ever, and a reminder of the value of the friendship and the amazing county we live in.
