This morning we joined our friends Mike and Alison Standing, together with Deborah Hockney (Alison’s sister) and her family on A Walk for Adam.
The walk aims to raise awareness of the high level of suicide that occurs in our society, especially amongst younger men, which seems to get hidden from view from the general public.
The 40-mile walk started from Chandler’s Ford Methodist Church this morning, and will spread over 4 days. Today we completed our first day’s walk and arrived at Winchester Cathedral. Friends and families will continue the rest of the journey over the next 3 days.
We all enjoyed the beautiful scenery and nature, and had great conversations on our walk. Talking and sharing was what made the walk so meaningful to all of us.
Here are some photos from today’s walk:
The aim of A Walk for Adam is to celebrate Adam’s life on the eve of what would have been his 40th birthday, and raise money for the following charities:
1) Mind, which supports people with mental health issues.
2) Perennial, a gardening charity for horticultural workers, who have supported Adam’s three young sons.
3) Earthtime for All, a charity in North Scotland that Deborah co-founded and works to promote outdoor, environmental activities for young families, to encourage stronger family bonds and physical and mental well-being.
How to donate
Donations can be made on the Just Giving website for A Walk for Adam. You may also wish to give any donations to Alison and Mike at the Methodist Church.
You can click the JustGiving sign below to donate online directly:
Where was the post box? The location doesn’t look like where I already know there is one in Winchester.
Ruby,
I’ve just checked the image source. The defibrillator phone box, and the pillar box were both timed at 11.06am. So I can now be sure they’re very close to each other. I took the pillar box photo first. The location is near here:
That looks like Shawford railway bridge. I’ll have to go there and have a hunt.
oh, hang on; I’m getting my Edward’s confused. Edward VII postboxes are uncommon but not rare. Edward VIII ones,however, are very few and far between – but there is one in Winchester.
Well done, Janet and everyone. It is a lovely walk but not quite the 40 miles you suggested. Unless you went via Salisbury.
This summer there were often young people bathing in the river. Too cold today I suspect.
Outdoor activity and some element of adventure are essential for us all. Unfortunately not all have the opportunity.
Mike,
The total will be 40 miles – and there are 3 more days to go, but I only did Day 1.
The rest of the journey will cover parts of St. Swithin’s way, and the Wayfarer’s walk.
It was quite a feat today for me (and my legs)!
Mike,
I have just edited my original post to make it clearer about the 40-mile walk. I wasn’t clear earlier and have confused the readers. Day 1 was enjoyable, but I’m not sure my legs would allow me to do 40 miles….
If you want to exercise your legs a bit more, you’d be welcome at Parkrun – people walk as well as run, and it’s only 3 and a bit miles.
I can see Ruby can’t resist advcating for parkrun. (What’s Saturday now called? A parkrun day!) To be honest I’m quite tempted as I’ve just realised walking can be ‘fun’.
My legs are hurting me now so I can’t think…. I remember the post box was after the defibrillator (near Shawford station). I’ll ask if other walkers noticed the location of this pillar box.
Picking up your comment about conversations, talking and sharing reminded of when a few years ago the church I then attended arranged a walk – also to Winchester (where we joined the cathedral’s evensong). It was indeed a great opportunity for fellowship and to talk to different people and about different topics than the usual post-service Meet-And-Eat (as it’s called in my family).
In fact, the event was so successful, we arrnaged three more short walks over the following few months.
Such a great idea – walking and talking and fellowship!
Next time I’ll try to look more ‘professional’ – some walkers had a stick, a hat, a raincoat, sunglasses, sun cream …… They also have a free ‘bus pass’ should they feel like taking the bus back from Winchester. Luckily we were collected by church friends, who drove us all home safely.
Just to say on our trip to Winchester, we also stopped by the Little Wedding Bakery & Cafe in Shawford (2 Station Terrace).