Hi everyone,
It's Mike Smith here, and let’s face it, I have the shape of a gorilla (or, more unkindly, a Hobbit); relatively speaking, long back and short legs. This is genetic, of course, from the male line, dad and grandad, much the same shape, just got a bit shorter as the generations rolled on. Unfortunately, this means I am also prone to lower back issues, also allied to the tendency to put weight on around the middle (aren't we all?).
This, unfortunately, comes with a tendency for back issues and, well, a little extra weight around the middle (aren't we all?). A couple of years ago, a retinal detachment threw a wrench in my fitness plans. Weeks of bed rest and no gym did not exactly help the situation. But I'm determined to get healthier, and that's why I've embarked on a walking challenge!
Here's the twist: I decided to turn my personal goal into a force for good. I am raising money for three fantastic charities close to my heart:
Doctors Without Borders (MSF): My stepdaughter, Erin (basically my own daughter!), is a doctor who volunteers with MSF in some of the world's toughest places. Their work is incredible, and they rely entirely on donations. If you'd like to learn more, check out her amazing TEDx talk.
Community First Responders: Ever called an ambulance? The first people there might be a Community First Responder, providing crucial care until paramedics arrive. They're all volunteers, and like most good things, rely on donations to function. My wife, Ann, is a retired businesswoman who does this amazing work, and I'm actually starting my own training this month! Find out more about the Vale and Fosseway Responders.
Firefly, Doncaster: Firefly is about living life to the full and enjoying every second of it. They are a Doncaster-based charity providing support and free transport to local cancer patients to regional treatment hospitals.
The Firefly Express fleet is run by a fantastic team of volunteer drivers, providing support to local people in their time of need. The intent is also to remove the stigma and embarrassment of personal cancer problems in young men and women, giving them the confidence to communicate with friends, family and health professionals.
As the company is TwentyFour IT Services, I thought...why not play on that number? But I thought that 240km was not enough, nor was 480km, so, why not triple it and aim for a total of 720km walked by the end of October and document my journey along the way as part of my fundraising efforts?
As such, we are looking for support, small or large, no matter your currency, £,$ or €.
I am hoping to raise £10,000 to share among these great charities, I will be personally contributing and putting my money where my... feet are, so will TwentyFour IT.
So, the challenge: I'm aiming to walk a whopping 720 km by the end of October! I'll be documenting my journey with pictures and updates along the way.
How you can help
DONATE HERE
We're looking for your support, no matter how big or small. Every penny counts! I'm hoping to raise a total of £10,000 to split amongst these three fantastic charities.
TwentyFour IT Services is already putting their money where their mouth is, and I'll be personally contributing as well. But if you'd like to join the cause, I've created a Just Giving page.
With my "trapezoidal feet" (thanks, Mum), I'm aiming for an average of 12 km per day. I'm using an app to track my progress, which I'll be sharing on a spreadsheet and blog updates. I've already clocked 250km since starting on August 28th!
Thank you so much in advance for your support! Let's do this together!
Best regards,
Mike Smith