For Alice

With all the training I've been doing I don't want to lose sight of the reason that I'm putting myself (and my family) through all this, my niece Alice. 

Alice contracted encephalitis shortly after she was born and as a result has been left severely brain damaged.

When I decided to undertake my South Downs Challenge I asked Alices parents, Sarah and Tim, which charity they would like me to raise money for and they both said, without hesitation, Small Steps. 

Small Steps has helped both Alice and Sarah and Tim. Alice has benefitted from their classes. She often stiffens up due to her lack of movement and the Small Steps sessions helps relieve this stiffness.

Sarah and Tim have learnt new techniques which they have been able to use with Alice at home. They have also had the opportunity to use different equipment which is not offered by Alice's local physiotherapist. Small Steps has given them a chance to meet and gain a support network of parents with children of similar abilities.

As I've said in my previous post, I am very proud to be raising money for such a fantastic charity. Small Steps are only a small set up but what they do has such a huge impact on their users. 

So if you haven't sponsored me already, please dig deep and give to a charity that really needs your support. www.justgiving.com/NickMaddox76

Many thanks.

Nick

Ardingly Reservoir – South of England Showground

I undertook my 8th training walk yesterday.  A 14 mile loop from home that took me up to Ardingly Reservoir across to the South of England Showground and then back again.

Before I start telling you about my walk, I have to say that I am currently suffering from a bad case of training fatigue – I don’t mean physically, I mean mentally.  Since Christmas I have been spending one day every other weekend doing training walks.  It’s been hard leaving Sarah, Bella and Zach tucked up in bed as I once again head out to tramp the Sussex countryside.  I’m really missing spending time with them.

New Forest - Beaulieu Loop. With Company.

For my seventh training walk I was joined by my lovely wife Sarah.  She promised not too moan if I treated her to a pub lunch.  And so the route was planned accordingly. 

After safely leaving the children in the capable hands of the grandparents we headed out to Beaulieu in the New Forest.  The first stretch of the walk took us along a very muddy path before cutting down into Beaulieu and joining the river down to Bucklers Hard.  This is a very popular walk with your casual stroller and overtaking manoeuvres were need to avoid buggies and zimmer frames - not the most extreme walking conditions I’ve encountered on my training!