Avril, a volunteer at Stockport & District Samaritans, completed the 100km Lake District Challenge, to raise money for the branch
She battled through extremely powerful winds and rain and walked up some very narrow gullies, which had overgrown grasses on each side above head height, masking the hidden danger of stinging nettles!
Avril had to manage her diabetes but found that her sensor wouldn’t work in the limited reception area. At 95km, whilst attending to bodily needs, her insulin pump became disconnected and she discovered that whilst she’d packed half of the replacement kit, the other half was in the car at 100km . She persevered and stabilised her readings.
She appreciated the camaraderie that developed between the walkers on the Challenge from enjoying the views to helping each other when taking the wrong direction and comparing notes about how to treat blisters appropriately!
The countryside, between Kendal and Ambleside, was absolutely stunning and she discovered the beautiful village of Cartmel. She learned a lot of lessons – what other people think is not always important, resilience, expect the unexpected, life is not about being competitive, it’s about doing what we are capable of, to the best of our ability! A significant number of walkers did not complete the Challenge. It certainly was physically, mentally and emotionally demanding.
When Avril and her husband Aidan (her walking buddy) crossed the finish line they were given a glass of champagne and their medals. She raised £401.
Well done Avril!