On Sunday 16th May, John Cleverdon and a gathering of friends and well wishers walked a sponsored mile for Cancer Care and the Macmillan Nurses.
I saw an article in the North Devon Journal about John's brave ambition to walk the mile despite having a tumour and I rang him in hospital (being as we are related to ask if he would like some company. I rushed into Holsworthy for some sponsorship forms and started to ask for support.
I had never travelled very far in my wheelchair but was told the route was flat, so vowed that if John could walk it then I could certainly push myself around. I suggested that if he should need a lift for the last few yards, he could sit on my lap for a ride. He didn't need it, but luckily he stopped for breath a few times - I needed it! I had many, many, offers of a push but despite going red in the face a few times and having trouble with the speed bumps in the park, I did it under my own steam.
When I then came to collect my sponsorship I was overwhelmed by the amount of support I received and to this date I have collected £389.15. Thank- you.
My thanks also go to John and Maureen Balsdon, H.J. Wicket. & Co, Penbode and Martins for putting sponsorship forms in their premises and also to two Guides, Anneka Ranken and Gemma Williams, and my assistant Guider, Shirley Davis for keeping me company along the mile.
Now I've done the mile - look out the marathon ouch! (but not quite yet!)