Horsham grandmother, 72, to walk 874 miles in virtual Lands End to John O’Groats fundraiser

In what she is calling ‘lockdown lunacy’, Mandy Bradley will be walking a total of 874 miles with the aim of raising £874 – £1 per mile covered – for Samaritans of Horsham & Crawley, Horsham Matters, and her local church; London Road Methodist Church Horsham.

She said: “Iam not usually a great walker – I would prefer to go to the gym or swim, but that hasn’t often been an option since last March, of course.

“I damaged my foot last time I tried to run, so walking was the only outdoor exercise option I had.

“During October, I had a pop-up through Facebook advertising a Land’s End to John O’Groats virtual walk through www.endtoend.run.

“You must be joking, I thought. But after the fourth time it popped up, I concluded that, since I was walking anyway, I might as well give it a go (slowly!).

“And while I was at it, I could try and raise funds for local charities which have suffered during the pandemic from lack of opportunity to collect donations.”

Mandy laced up her walking boots in October last year and has until October 26, 2021, to complete the challenge. However, she hopes to complete the 874 miles by June.

As of Monday, January 11, she had reached 350 miles and has currently walked around 373 miles.

She said: “So here I am, plodding the highways and byways around Horsham, gradually making my way virtually north, sometimes by myself but often with my husband, Paul.

“West Sussex County Council’s beautifully refurbished Downs Link and Horsham District Council’s Riverside Walk have both been wonderful facilities here, where I can hear a variety of birdsong as I go – and that will only get better as spring arrives.

“The most difficult aspect I find is motivating myself to get out there on a cold, windy, rainy day to keep the momentum going; but in spite of the weather, those birds still sing. So I try and remember the Scandinavian saying: it is never the wrong weather, only the wrong clothes!

“If anyone is feeling generous, any contributions would be welcome, to encourage me to keep going.

“I will share any contributions equally between the three charities.”

Donations can be made through JustGiving at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mandy-bradley

To keep up to date with where Mandy has got to and how many miles she has covered , visit https://endtoend.run/map-lejog-7 and search for Mandy Bradley.