Andrew Stanley- ‘200 miles-I’m not fit enough’ challenge

You will know that every couple of years or so I approach you with my begging bowl.

Last time was in 2022 when I walked the North & South Downs Ways. I walked the Cotswold Way last year with mate Steve (aka The Mountain Goat) (he will argue the term “mate” but I quite like him)! I also had a go at the Welsh 3,000 but due to illness had to miss 1 of 3 days and only managed 8 mountains and 20 miles which was disappointing.

So, having let you off the hook last year I am back on the sponsor trail. Starting on 5 September I’m hoping to walk 120 miles of the South West Coastal Path from near Lynton (Devon) to Boscastle (Cornwall). This is just a short section of the overall path which is 630 miles. I did the first 30 miles with friend Mark in 2021 and we hoped to complete the walk over a few years. Sadly, Mark died in 2021 so I’m on a mission. The 120 miles is tougher than it sounds with rugged, hilly terrain with an ascent of 23,500 feet over the week’s walking. I am doing this with friend Grant who I have known for 30 years through the mighty Insulators FC.

In October I will walk the Ridgeway National Trail which is an 87 mile walk from Overton Hill in Wiltshire, passing through Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. A more modest 7,500 feet of climb. I will be doing this one over 4 days with The Mountain Goat.

The charity I am raising funds for is the Autonomic Charitable Trust (ACT) – registered number 1145562. This is a fairly small charity formed in 2012 to raise funds for research into neurological conditions – the main ones being Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia (POTS), Parkinsons, types of diabetes and Long Covid to name a few.

Covid delayed progress but grants of £150,000 were awarded to talented research teams in January this year and they should report back in 2025.

If you can sponsor me, I will be very grateful. If you want progress updates by email just let me know or walk updates will be posted on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/200.miles.i.m.not.fit.enough.challenge/

If you don’t want to go online, I’m happy to accept cash or cheques or payment in kind!

If you think there’s any chance someone you know might sponsor me, please pass this on.

Thanks

Andy

Note: We'll be paying our own expenses so no jolly with your lolly!