Beverley Campell is full-time carer to profoundly disabled youngest child Bonnie – but her walking is taking both to new heights.
“Our days are long and challenging – but walking is my therapy, and doing Walk 1000 Miles really spurred me on. Now we walk every day, rain or shine and when Bonnie goes for respite at our local young people's hospice I walk some more. It does me so much good – my health and energy improved and Bonnie's health too, and we’ve made so many new friends.
Now I walk every day I'm always in training for something. I've done the 24-mile Clarendon Way Walk twice and a 50k for Alzheimer's through the Chilterns. One of my best experiences was when one of my new friends and I raised £1000 between us walking the 26-mile Winchester to Salisbury Classic. We finished the walk feeling great and euphoric and showing off how ache-free we were only to seize up on the coach back made and stagger about like two old ladies, fun times!
As a full time carer, I've had to learn that it's ok to do things for me. But I know she enjoys being out with all the different smells and sounds of nature too. She's a young adult but developmentally under three months. Things can get quite repetitive given her level of need, but she never cries or complains – and she lives in the now. Even if it's been a rough night, the fresh air blows away our cobwebs. Walking can be so sociable! Bonnie and I are now a regular feature in our area and people honk or wave as they pass. I feel like I get a hug from nature every day, I see the changing seasons and I've built up a bond with the many birds I feed along the way. Even with all I’ve got going on I can truly say that I’m happy.
We all feel a need to belong and Walk 1000 Miles is such a lovely, motivational, non-judgemental community. It’s just full of encouraging people who are essentially strangers but united in our love of walking and desire to support. There are enough barriers in life – so come to a place where there are none. Just put your shoes on and walk. You'll feel fitter and happier and able to face what life throws at you just a little bit better.”
