Saturday 20th February 2010 - "I'm off!" (Brighton to Shoreham - 7 miles) Here I am, squinting, at the start point of my charity walk - Brighton Pier. It's 11.20 am on a beautiful "spring" morning and I can't believe the walk is about to get under way. Off to my left is a rather long coastline stretching into the distance. Previous calculations of the route I am walking range from 4,300 miles to well over 5,000 miles by those who have completed it. In one episode of "Coast", a mathematician estimated that the length of our coastline is infinite because there are incalculable ways of measuring it. Oh great! I'll settle for around 5,000 miles. I will be carrying my "Satmap Active 10" GPS unit to navigate every step of the way. Thank you Satmap for designing such a fantastic piece of equipment and for your support throughout the walk.
As I set off, I have to admit that I had a lump in my throat. Just over a year ago I was preparing to start this walk when a number of things happened, forcing me to postpone this adventure. Most significant was the death of my father Eric. As I took the first few steps along the pebbly Brighton beach, I really felt that Dad was with me. As a former journalist, he was probably taking notes. Then my thoughts turned to my mother, Margaret. She would be in her nursing home where we had moved her in January. But where was she today? In London during The Blitz? On a cruise? Most likely she was waiting for her husband to collect her and take her home. Her coat and handbag by her feet in the lounge, a packed bag lying on her bed ready for her departure. You see, Mum has Dementia. She is one of the very important reasons why I am supporting The Alzheimer's Society during the walk. My thanks go to them for supporting me as well as I plod my way round the coast to raise funds for their incredible work.
So, on my first day of the Walk, how far along the coast did I get? Shoreham-by-Sea! 7 miles! Hmmm. Best keep going!
As I set off, I have to admit that I had a lump in my throat. Just over a year ago I was preparing to start this walk when a number of things happened, forcing me to postpone this adventure. Most significant was the death of my father Eric. As I took the first few steps along the pebbly Brighton beach, I really felt that Dad was with me. As a former journalist, he was probably taking notes. Then my thoughts turned to my mother, Margaret. She would be in her nursing home where we had moved her in January. But where was she today? In London during The Blitz? On a cruise? Most likely she was waiting for her husband to collect her and take her home. Her coat and handbag by her feet in the lounge, a packed bag lying on her bed ready for her departure. You see, Mum has Dementia. She is one of the very important reasons why I am supporting The Alzheimer's Society during the walk. My thanks go to them for supporting me as well as I plod my way round the coast to raise funds for their incredible work.
So, on my first day of the Walk, how far along the coast did I get? Shoreham-by-Sea! 7 miles! Hmmm. Best keep going!