Walking Hadrian's Wall for Derian House Hospice

For those who don't know - in the past 4 years, I've had two major operations on my spine. Prior to each, I was unable to walk and was at great risk of paralysis from the waist down.

THANKFULLY, courtesy of two world-class surgeons (and the people who helped me pay for private surgery - as due to COVID related delays, I would still be waiting on the operation should I have opted for NHS treatment), I have regained full functioning of my body, and am grateful for it every day! (Read more about my story and surgery here )

My recovery goal WAS to climb Snowdon, but I have the fantastic opportunity to walk Hadrian's Wall with the support of my work (Zen Internet).

What's more - one of the charity partners of Zen is the absolutely amazing Derian House.

This is an outstanding charity who were able to provide joy to my partner and her family during the bleakest of times.

"Isabelle Rachel Molloy lived for two years and three months. The happiest days of her short life were spent at Derian House Children’s Hospice. Isabelle had a very difficult start in life when her mummy – my wife and best friend Rachel – died aged 36, from a very rare complication of pregnancy" - Nick, Isabelle's Dad.

Read more from Nick, who is Isabelle's Dad, on this link: Derian House Children's Hospice

Back to the hike:

Over 4 days in June, a team of 22 (along with some support volunteers) will be walking and camping our way across the breadth of the UK, following 84 miles of Hadrian's Wall from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway. I AM SCARED.

I've been getting some training in and will be posting updates as I go along. This is such a big challenge even for the most physically fit of us, whilst I will not even be 1-year post-op at the time of the walk! I think I am slightly crazy. But I am so passionate about raising money for this fantastic charity, in addition to feeling excited about completing this challenge along with my co-workers and Sponsors who will be joining us for stints along the way.

To take part, my goal is to raise at least £250 sponsorship. With your support and donations, the team of walkers will be raising a minimum of £5,500 for Zen's Charity partners: Derian House, KYP and HMR Circle, of which Zen Internet will be matching, so a minimum donation of £11,000 to some well-deserving causes!