12 Mile Walk for Jo’s Trust0

Last Saturday I was invited to take part in a collosal 12 mile walk from Langley Mill to Sawley in Derbyshire to raise money and awareness for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust – a charity that I regularly represent when giving speeches about my own experience with cervical cancer up and down the country. So to have one on my doorstep was truly wonderful. I was asked to be the photographer and of course donated my services (which also meant having to do the walk….didn’t think that through!). As much as I do love the gym, and love the outdoors, I’ve never walked that kind of distance before and wow, it was a fair way! Took over 7 hours in total, with an hour for lunch but was a real achievement for all of us. We were lucky that organiser Louise planned for it to be a walk next to the canal, so it was certainly far more pleasurable than the A52. Those who are friends with me on facebook were entertained with the following status’ as we ventured forth into the unknown. Relevant photographs are attached:

Mile 1. I am wet. We are all wet. But we are smiling

Mile 2. Swan on path. Mild panic by group. Now discussing how Rosie and Jim taught me everything I’ll ever need to know about canal boats

Mile 3. Pub break and met the Boaters Christian Fellowship who were holding a gala. They kindly donated a got their pose on for some photos. And I have chipsticks! Onward march!

Mile 4: am enjoying saying hello to all the passers by. I miss the country

Mile 5: a reminder of why we’re here. Cervical cancer is preventable. One of the only cancers you can stop before it turns into cancer. Going for your smear test is essential if you want to survive this horrid disease. If you’re too young for a smear, knowing the symptoms could save your life. Stay aware and stay alive!

Mile 6: just passed a guy dragging an industrial-sized kitchen sink at full speed next to the canal. Am looking for the half-way point pub yet it’s still nowhere to been seen. Want a cider. Bad.

Mile 7: still no pub. Am singing a strange medley of “I can see clearly now” “Road to nowhere” and the Rosie and Jim theme tune in my head. Just gave the nod to a fellow tog, but didn’t smile at him as he was holding a Nikon. Ewww

Mile 8: pub found!! Kopparberg in hand, lasagne and mozzarella sticks on their way. Sun is shining, I’m happy

Mile 9: was hard to get moving again but it’ll be a cold day in hell before we give up! Baby swans and ducks have been a highlight. Very hard to resist going all girly about them. I wonder if I can get away with taking one home…

Mile 10: A scary but true fact – HPV, the virus that is the most common cause of cervical cancer, is contracted by 4/5 people in their lifetime. So whoever you are, you are never safe, even by using contracepton, from possibly getting cervical cancer. Even more reason to attend your smear test!

Mile 11: I’m too old for this stuff

Mile 12: huzzah! I came third. And that’s what truly counts. Now need to try make it home before half 6 to get picked up for my evening charity gig.

Not sure how much we’ve raised yet, but we all had a wonderful time doing so. Just wishing now that I had worn trainers instead of Ugg boots. What was I thinking….