Wendy's Thames Path Ultra 100k Challenge for TORCH

“I was asked earlier in the year to join friends to complete The 100k (62.13 miles) Ultra Thames Path Challenge in 24 hours which takes place on 13 September to 14 September 2025 from Putney Bridge London to Henley. I said yes!

I very much enjoy walking and running, and although not one who would arrive first at the finishing line I have always completed any challenge I’ve signed up for.

One of the challenges I’m really pleased to have completed was walking Hadrians Wall in 4 days. Whenever I feel I can’t do something I always reflect back to that time and the positive affect it had on my confidence to meet life’s challenges.

Training for the walk is going well and on one of the hottest days of this year, 21st June, we walked 42 miles from Putney Bridge to Windsor starting at 6.45am and finishing at 9.45pm ... it was very hot and fabulous. The two photos show how we looked at the beginning and how I looked when I arrived home that evening: still smiling . During the next couple of months we will do part of our training during the night. Wendy did her first night walk of 23 miles on Friday.

At first it was my intention to do this challenge for my own fitness, health and enjoyment but after being encouraged to do it for charity I am really excited about the prospect of using the challenge to raise funds for TORCH Help Hub who generously provides volunteer help to those in the community ...”

Torch has a vision to be a network of local hubs to provide help and hope to people in need, by churches working together in unity, and in partnership with the charities, public and private sectors. They provide a helping hand to those who otherwise cannot get help and tend to fall through the gaps of existing provision.

Each month Torch volunteers support 30-40 individuals and families with a wide range of free personal and practical help. In addition they offer signposting to other organisations with specialist expertise, to support groups and to activities hosted by local churches.

To find out more visit https://torchhub.org.uk