One day, 26 miles ✔️
They did it - and raised over £1,200!
We are thrilled to share that our incredible volunteers Pam and Chris have done it – walking a full 26.2 miles along the Thames Path in support of The Link Visiting Scheme!
Pam and Chris are no strangers to going the extra mile for others. Through their volunteering since early 2020, they've already made a meaningful difference to the lives of older people in our community, offering friendship, companionship and connection. On Monday 27th April, they quite literally took things a step further.
The Big Day
Spotting a perfect weather forecast and a free day, Pam and Chris didn't hesitate, they were up, kitted out, and on their way by 7am. Drawing on several practice walks, they set themselves a target pace of 2.5 miles per hour with two hours of breaks built in, aiming to be home by 7pm.
As it turned out, they exceeded even that – maintaining around 22 minutes per mile and arriving home at 5:30pm, a full hour and a half ahead of schedule.
The route took them through some beautiful spots along the Thames: a cuppa at the Earley Café at the 6-mile mark, a stretch and snack in Thames Valley Park, a rest at Sonning Lock at mile 9, and lunch at Lower Shiplake at the halfway point of 13.1 miles – shoes off, feet cooling, well earned! The return leg was tougher on the legs, so they kept stops shorter and more frequent to avoid seizing up entirely.
By the time they got home, the bed was calling. Half an hour of recovery later, they were hobbling around tidying up rucksacks and kit, before Pilates stretches, a warm bath, and an early night, with the firm declaration that they would never, ever, EVER be doing it again (though they'd happily sponsor anyone else who fancies the challenge!).
A message from Pam and Chris
"Huge thanks to family, friends and the Link community for your sponsorship, support and encouragement. Wouldn't have done it without you."
"Chris and I have been volunteers with The Link since early 2020, visiting people in their homes, chauffeuring them to events, delivering jigsaws and getting involved with other community events. Your donation, however small, will go a long way to keep all these activities going. Thank you!"
Thank you
We are so proud of Pam and Chris and grateful for their dedication, energy and kindness. Every pound raised will help us continue our work reducing loneliness and social isolation – changing lives with friendship, one step at a time.
If you'd still like to support their fundraiser, it's not too late to donate: