Charity walk in aid of Age UK Essex
Chris Kelly, a Solicitor and Partner of the firm, likes a challenge and decided to attempt to walk the Saltmarsh 75 on 5th and 6th October 2013 to raise money for his chosen charity, Age UK Essex. This was a two day race/walk around the Essex coast of some 75 miles. An amazing challenge.
On day one he managed to walk from South Woodham Ferrers through North Fanbridge and Burnham-on-Crouch and then through the wilds of remotest Essex to Bradwell-on-Sea. He was able to walk 30 miles before the blisters became too much and struggled back to his hotel for some well earned rest.
The following morning, on the Sunday, he awoke to blue sunshine but finding it difficult to even get out of bed, let alone put his walking boots back on. Nevertheless he managed to walk from Steeple to Maylandsea where in due course I met up with him for support and to get my fellow Partner home (or as far as he could get to home).
We then walked together to the prom at Maldon where we were cheered on by Maureen Draper (our Leonard Gray Cashier and her partner) who had come just to add much welcomed support for Chris. We then continued to walk on through the beautiful blue weather (or should we say hobbled on) to HeybridgeBasin where it was decided enough was enough.
Chris managed to walk a total of 45 miles in those two days. This is an amazing mileage for someone who is not a regular walker.
Of over 100 walkers, around 30 finished the first day and only 16 completed the whole event, the majority not even attempting to start the second day.
I am very pleased to say that Chris is a Director of Age UK Essex and he managed to raise for them around £950 of sponsorship.
This is an example of how commitment and determination can benefit not only the competitor but also somebody else, in this case, the charity.