Firstly, we would like to thank Karen at Hopton House for giving us the opportunity to let you know about our challenge.
Our Challenge
In April next year we will be walking the Offa's Dyke National Trail to raise money in aid of The Multiple Sclerosis Society – all 177 miles and 30,000 foot of it! There are four of us in the team – Phil (and his dog), Alex, Karen and her 13 year old daughter Popa.
We will be camping every night (it should take 12 days), with Phil and Alex carrying full packs! We will also have a support team in the guise of Phil's parents who will be following along the route staying at local BnBs and carrying Karen and Popa's camping gear.
Offa's Dyke
Offa’s Dyke path weaves in and out of the England – Wales border, from Prestatyn on the North Wales coast to Chepstow on the Severn Estuary (passing near Hopton House). When Phil first read about Offa’s Dyke a few years ago, he was captivated by the story of Britian’s largest man-made monument – built by Offa, King of Mercia from 757 to 796 A.D to try and create a boundary between his kingdom and the independent Welsh kingdoms. The route today is lined with impressive castles and abbeys – and as he is a big fan of castles, he decided that “one day” he would walk it.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults. Around 100,000 people in the UK have MS. For some people, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission while for others it has a progressive pattern. For everyone, it makes life unpredictable.
Phil has personal reasons why we have chosen MS for this challenge, however what has become apparent from talking to people about our plans is just how many people have friends or family who have the condition.
You can find out more about Multiple Sclerosis at http://www.mssociety.org.uk/
How can you help?
Any help you can give in terms of advice (on equipment / campsites on the route etc), spreading the word on what we are doing or just giving us some supporting words would be much appreciated!
You can follow the whole process on our blog www.mycountryside.org.uk – from the planning & preparation, the training walks, and the equipment, through to the walk itself: the rain, the campsites, the blisters and the aching limbs!
We are also on twitter: www.twitter.com/offasdyke4ms and we have a facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=61028287345&ref=ts
If you would like to donate to our challenge you can on our Justgiving page: http://www.justgiving.com/offasdyke4ms
