Completing the six-week charity fundraiser
Goode Walks owner Julian Goode has completed his 500-mile six-week sponsored walk across the UK to raise money for two charities that have helped him in his battle with Leukaemia.
A Really Goode Walk saw him trek across Wales, Northern Ireland, England and Scotland during October and November – a fundraising feat which has already brought in more than £5,000 for Barts Charity and Anthony Nolan.
Starting off in Chepstow and walking to Prestatyn on the Offa’s Dyke Path in north Wales, he then crossed Northern Ireland from Kilkeel on the Irish Sea to Derry on the north west coast; crossed northern England on the Hadrian’s Wall Path from Cumbria to Newcastle, before walking from Dunbar on Scotland’s North Sea coast to Helensburgh north of Glasgow.
“It was a real challenge, not least as I caught Covid two weeks before I set off, so the first couple of weeks were a struggle as a result,” said Julian, who set up Goode Walks earlier this year, offering corporate walks for companies, and guided walks for groups and individuals in Essex and beyond.
“Then I had to nurse my way through painful shin splints across Northern Ireland and again in the last few days in Scotland. But the scenery, the people I met along the way, and the donations coming in all helped to keep me going in those difficult moments.
“It was great to make it to the finish in Helensburgh, although on the worst weather day of the whole six weeks – I was totally soaked through, and freezing! But when you know how much you’ve raised for two amazing charities, it definitely feels worth it.”
Diagnosed in May 2019, Julian has been under the care of Barts Hospital in London since; and received a stem cell transplant later that year from an anonymous donor on Anthony Nolan’s donor register.
“Without them I wouldn’t be around now, wouldn’t have been able to re-train as a Mountain Training qualified Lowland Leader and start my new business as a walk leader this year, and wouldn’t have been able to do the big Walk,” added Julian.
“It was my way of being able to give something back; and to help those that will sadly come after me and need similar help. I’m very grateful for those that have supported me, and to anyone else who is able to contribute to the fundraising.”
You can find out more at: https://goodewalks.co.uk/a-really-goode-walk/
And make a donation via: https://www.justgiving.com/team/AReallyGoodeWalk
It was a real challenge, not least as I caught Covid two weeks before I set off, so the first couple of weeks were a struggle as a result