Paul’s story …
In lockdown 2020 I challenged myself to walk the Boudicca, that’s 36 miles from Norwich to Diss. I decided to do this is October 2020 as I was aware at this time a lot of the dog homes were struggling with funding, so I went round with a pen and paper (with no online page) and completed this in 11 hours and raised £1445 for a local dog home based near Loddon.
With the success of this, I thought of doing it again, this time along the Wherryman’s way a mile further and possibly more challenging (depending on weather conditions). I set the date for October 2022.
But at the end of June 2022, I had a brain aneurysm and then the surgery to follow which also caused me to have a stroke. I did not see that life changing event coming. It has been a long road to recovery, overcoming my weak left-hand side and the constant battle with fatigue.
But with a positive mindset and the support of my rock of a wife Lisa, her family and some true friends I am still here and everyday is a blessing.
It has been my final goal in recovery to have the physical and mental strength to finally do this walk. I was going to attempt this is October 2023 but, in the August, I had a second stroke, which was a little bit of a setback. But here we are in early 2024, and I am going to give it a go. Not just for me but for other people who have been through similar or worse than myself. So, if I can raise some funds by doing this it will all be worthwhile.
The charity I will be raising money for is called “3 million Steps” founded by a lady named Zara who miraculously survived a horrific brain injury, she has gone on to raise lots of money to fund equipment and support for people with brain injuries (including walking from John O’ Groats to Lands’ End). “3 million Steps” is a charity set up to provide equipment and services needed by brain injury survivors and their carers so they can concentrate on their recovery and once again live with dignity, self-worth and return to being a valued member of society and their families.
I recently met Zara and she has been inspirational to me and I’m certain an inspiration to many others.
So, on Saturday 6th April 2024, whatever the weather, starting at Norwich train station in the early morning (between 4am and 5am) myself and River, the youngest of our 2 huskies will start the walk. At Rockland St Mary approx. 10 miles in, our older of the 2 huskies BB will then take over to walk the next 12 miles with me to Loddon church, finally River will then tag team back in, to walk the final 15 miles to Great Yarmouth train station.
A total of 37 miles.
I am hoping to finish around 7pm, but definitely before midnight!
Thank you in advance for your support.
Paul, Lisa, BB and River x