Although I’m sure you’re looking forward to Camp, I imagine that the journey is the thing that you’re looking forward to the least. Who wants to spend hours stuck on a train or coach simply trying to pass the time and waiting for your holiday to really begin. If you’re a staff member it could be even worse – you might have an 8 hour journey on a cramped minibus to enjoy. Wouldn’t it be nicer to be collected from your own back garden and taken directly to the Camp field by helicopter?
Well, as you’re contemplating how you’ll be getting to Camp, spare a thought for Simon Bradley. He’ll be setting off a full two weeks before everyone else in order to walk down to Camp in St. Ives. That’s right – walking all the way, unaided. I’m reliable informed that’s 240.81 miles as the crow flies, and 292 if you follow the route suggested by Google. Of course that leads to the question: why? Why would a normally very sensible guy decide to walk down to St. Ives when he has a perfectly good car (provided by his wonderful new employer)?
Last year Simon’s mum, Sally, was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer and after surgery was ruled out she received two unsuccessful courses of chemotherapy. Sadly, during Camp 2006 in Folkestone, Sally died in Willen Hospice. Simon and his family were at her bedside and remember the comfort and care both Sally and the family received from the amazing staff at the Hospice [more info]. To remember the first anniversary of his mum’s death, and to raise much-needed funds for Willen Hospice, Simon has resolved to undertake the long walk to Camp in St. Ives. You can read Simon’s explanation in his own words on the website he has set-up to support his walk: mkstives.org.
He set himself a target to raise £800 – and within three weeks through the generosity of family and friends he passed that target. Since then he has revised the target twice – now aiming to raise £1600.
So as you’re contemplating what it would be like to walk down to Camp this year, and as you realise that your journey by coach or train isn’t as bad as you thought, can I please ask you to do two of the following practical things to help Simon:
- sponsorship: make a donation, no matter how small, because it all adds up
- news: pass on details of Simon’s Epic Expedition to 5 of your friends
- support: send a message of encouragement as he prepares to leave on July 14th
In addition you can keep up to date with his progress on his website which he’s planning to update throughout the walk, and congratulate him in person when you arrive at Camp in St. Ives, as his schedule should mean he arrives before the Campers.
Thanks!
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