Sometimes you have to hit bottom before you you can rise again – but rising 1000-miles high is never out of the question, as these inspiring challengers show.
‘I was told I’d never walk again’
‘Last year I lost the use of my legs overnight, and was told I wouldn't ever walk again. I had a severed spinal cord due to a rare condition called cauda equina syndrome.
But two major operations later I took my first steps to freedom. I'd made a rare recovery, but I was stuck in a brain fog from heavy medication that was doing very little for me. So I said enough was enough, and I kept on walking. Five months later I’ve walked myself back to great health in pursuit of my 1000 miles and I’m off ALL medication. Anything is possible. There’s hope for all of us!’ – Becky Brooks
‘I’d turned into a couch potato’
‘I broke up with my wife nearly two years ago, turned into a couch potato and became severely depressed. But last September I reconnected with a good friend – and #walk1000miles challenger – Louise. She started giving me a well deserved kick up the rear end, culminating in her challenging me to do #walk1000miles. I’ve gone from just wanting to do three miles a day to doing six or more most days. I feel better. I've started losing weight and I’ve very much got my get-up-and-go back. So Louise, I thank you!’ – Jason Harris
‘I decided to do my mum, dad and kids proud’
‘I lost my mum to Covid and my dad to cancer 13 weeks apart, and I’ve been so lost. I still went out with the kids but found no joy in it without my mum – she used to make us laugh and was the best company.
On 23rd December I stepped on the scales and saw I’d put on over three stone. I was gutted and decided then that I can’t sit and feel sorry for myself. I needed to get out. I’ve cried on my walks – I’ve let it all out – and I come back feeling a bit better which means the walk was worthwhile. My goal through #walk1000mile is to go on as many adventures with my three kids and give them happy memories for when I’m no longer around.’ – Asia Solonyna
‘I quit drinking and started walking’
‘In December 2019, I decided I'd had enough of being ruled by alcohol, being overweight, and of not liking myself very much. So, on 1st January 2020 I quit drinking and started #walk1000miles. Walking regularly, and for long distances, changed my life. It changed my body (I lost over 3½ stone) and it improved my mental health. Walking is my therapy. In 2021, I walked over 1500 miles. This year, I intend to walk the Coast to Coast path. Walking has given me confidence in my body’s ability to carry me where I need to go and to meet whatever challenges I face. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of walking.’ – Karen South Jones
‘I lost my partner’
‘I lost my partner in December 2019. Since then, I’ve slowly been trying to find my way into my new life. Who am I? Where am I going? I struggled to get out. Work, tiredness, emotions, grief, life in general, oh and now I’m peri-menopausal.
Then I saw this walking magazine with an article about #walk1000miles... In my head, I thought ‘I'll never do that. But I'll give it a go – even if I fail, I'll have done more than usual’.
This is my 1st year and I bloody love it! I’m actually less tired than before. My grief and menopause brain is so much easier to manage. I love being in the open air, just living in that moment, opening my eyes and seeing.’ – Andrea Barber
‘I felt so stressed about the future’
‘I’d just finished my cognitive behavioural therapy treatment for PTSD. I felt so stressed about my future. I went for a walk round the block, then pushed myself to reach the river. It got me away from my thoughts (and the ducks got food!). Lockdown was tough, but #walk1000miles, the river and the ducks got me through it. My husband and I both now love walking and last October reached the top of Snowdon. It just shows how small steps lead to big things.’ – Jenny Riley
