A WALKER who is raising money in memory of an Eskdale woman has now covered 3000 miles in 100 days – and the end is in sight.
Adam Brown has been walking as part of “The Great British Gut Buster” challenge which saw him start at John O’Groats in April, with the aim of finishing outside Buckingham Palace next month.
His journey so far has taken him across the northern coast of Scotland, south into England, along the Welsh coast and now the southern coast of England.
Adam is raising money for Eden Valley Hospice in Carlisle, in memory of his friend Anna Pike who was cared for there during the final months of her life in 2018.
Born in Dumfries and raised in Langholm and Canonbie, Anna was a teacher at Petteril Bank Primary School in Carlisle prior to contracting a rare form of cancer.
Adam said: “It’s been the journey of a lifetime and I can honestly say, I’ve loved every single day.
“I’ve met lots of wonderful people that have shown great kindness and generosity in both assisting me and donating to the hospice.
“The memory of Anna is always with me and knowing the funds I raise will be put to good use really spurs me on.”
And as he nears the end of his challenge, Anna’s mum Jenny is appealing for final donations.
She said: “This is such a mammoth task that Adam has set himself.
“He has only had two rest days in almost 100 days, enduring a range of weather conditions and basic camping, most of the time.
“He is so determined to complete this challenge and to raise as much money as he can for Eden Valley Hospice in Anna’s memory.
“We are so touched that Adam has chosen to use this walk as a tribute to Anna and as a thank you to the hospice.
“And we know Anna would be too. Every amount donated, no matter how small, will help the hospice and also encourage Adam to keep going.”
She described how when Anna became ill, the hospice enabled her to live as normal a life as possible, visiting the hospice daily or overnight, when required, for symptom control.
Jenny said: “When she became an in-patient on the adult ward, her family and partner were given accommodation at the hospice, so we could be near her. I cannot thank them enough for this. They made the worst time of our lives bearable.
“We were all treated with such kindness and understanding. Nothing was too much trouble.
“The hospice provides an essential service for those with life limiting illnesses and their families. It would not keep going without donations. So please support them, in anyway you can.”
Adam is documenting his progress via his website www.greatbritishgutbuster.com.
n To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Adam-Brown113.
