Day 61: Putting my feet up

 

What a strange feeling it was this morning to have a bit of a lie in and leave my boots and rucksack sat in a dark corner of the motorhome. I think I could grow to like it.

After celebrating with Keith and Gill at Dunnet Bay last night, Suze and I headed west towards Thurso, where I had a much-needed haircut. Ironically, the barber was born and bred in Wigan. We’re on the way south now and are parked up tonight at the Falls of Shin.

I set out with few objectives other than to enjoy myself, raise some money for Diabetes UK, and prove to others that a diabetes condition need not necessarily restrict anyone’s aims and ambitions. I know the first two have hit their mark and I hope the third has too.

I wanted to round off the blog with a few thank yous. One of the things I’ve missed most since leaving work has been a nice note with plenty of bullet points, and this seems like the perfect time to reacquaint myself.

- I wouldn’t have got out of Cornwall if I was carrying my own kit, so there is a massive thank you to Suzanne and Phil for driving the van all over the country during the last couple of months. It wasn’t just the driving, though; lunch ready every morning, boots cleaned, meals prepared, support, encouragement, and even the bed made ready. I’ve had to think about nothing but putting one foot in front of the other and heading in the right direction. Phil has had to take time out of his own busy life to accommodate me and both he and Jackie just couldn’t have been more supportive, even producing Energetic Diabetic mugs. As for Suze, I know how much she disliked driving the van down the narrow roads but she has adapted brilliantly. It was like been driven by a professional today

- Rachel designed the Energetic Diabetic name, the logo and all the publicity materials that have been so effective, whilst Sian produced the blog and arranged all the printing.

- Everyone who came out walking with me - I think it was 24, not including the people I came across en route, some making special journeys to meet up. Especially to Andrew and Steph Hill, whose holidays were sacrificed! Those efforts made the walk all the more enjoyable.

- To the Eagles, not just for the Tan Hill meet up, but for all the publicity they have generated locally and at The Village.

- To Brian, for looking after the garden (hopefully - I'll have to check that when I get home!).

- A special shout out to Keith and Gill, who have been magnificent in getting both me and Suze up the last, tricky John o’ Groats stage.

- Finally, all of you who have taken the time to send messages of support and for such generous sponsorship. I only started writing the blog because I wanted to be able to look back in my dotage and recall my adventures. I also thought it may save me a few WhatsApp messages if I was asked where I was up to. I never expected to average the number of hits I have, although I wouldn’t be surprised if Sian and Rach were going in multiple times to massage my fragile ego. The positive comments about the blog and the walk in general have really kept me going.

If I have whetted anyone’s appetite for walking any part of my route, feel free to get in touch for any tips.

Ah well, all good things come to an end and it’s back to my normal life next week. Good job I was enjoying it so much anyway!