No-one’s walking harder miles more bravely, at greater cost to themselves or benefit to us all, than our nurses.
That’s why on international Nurses Day we had to hear from some of them – and why we hope you’ll buy one of our new #walk1000miles stickers which see 100% of profits going to the NHS.
‘The paranoia I may carry the virus home to my family is exhausting’
Jaimee Reynolds, Dialysis Nurse, West Lothian, 3rd-year 1000-miler
Can you tell us a little about where you work and what your job involves in normal times?
I work in a nurse-led kidney dialysis unit. We dialyse about 60 patients over the course of a week, most requiring dialysis three times a week.
How has life changed at work and at home, since the onset of the crisis?
All the patients still need to be dialysed, the difference is the added anxiety from patients and staff, and the ever-changing situation with protective PPE. At home it’s massively different. My husband is not a key worker so has been furloughed. He is “daddy daycare” while I’m at work and attempting to be teacher too.
And what about your feelings?
I have anxiety and was on annual leave when it was announced the schools would close and non-essential businesses too. I found it hard to deal with the unknown and the responsibility of being the only worker. And the paranoia that I may carry the virus home to my family is exhausting. I do get emotional easily, especially when I see the praise and thanks for NHS staff. We are just doing the jobs we love. I’m grateful for the wishes but I can find it overwhelming at times.
Can you tell us a bit about what walking means to you in ordinary life?
Since starting the challenge, walking has become part of mine and my families daily life. In the job I do, I find walking very therapeutic and cathartic. It helps me clear my head and deal with my emotions. My kids love nothing more than an “adventure day” out to explore an area we haven’t been before. It never fails to amaze me how much they can amuse themselves with some sticks and stones.
And what about at the moment?
Walking still has that same healing power for me. I especially like to do some deep breathing when in the countryside as it feels amazing after long days wearing face masks and visors. After finishing 2 weeks self isolation, that first walk on my own had more affect on my than I thought it would. I will never take for granted the joy of walking again. Even if they don’t feel like it, I make sure we go out for our daily fresh air walk and I have noticed the kids can walk further than they used to.
Can you name something you like about the #walk1000miles community?
The support. It has always been there. I have never had a photo or post have negative comments.
Complete this sentence…
Right now I could kill for a…
Hug from my parents who live in a different country to me.
The last thing that made me smile was…
My daughter making me a rainbow coloured bracelet to support the nurses and doctors.
I wish more than anything that…
As many people recover from this virus as possible.
It’s been a good day when…
We go to bed happy, having filled our lungs with fresh air
I really believe that…
Walking can improve your mental health/current mood.
When all this is over, the biggest treat I can imagine is…
Having a massive BBQ street party for all our neighbours.
There's one other thing I'd like to say, and it's...
Stay home, protect the NHS and save lives!
‘Walking is saving my sanity!’
Pam Burchill, major trauma and neuro-rehab specialist nurse, Royal Derby hospital, first-time 1000-miler
How's your challenge been going?
I started the challenge on new year's day after thinking about it for probably the last two years. It's been going well. I achieved Proclaimer status not long ago.
Can you tell us a little about where you work and what your job involves in normal times?
I work across the whole hospital meeting the rehab needs of people who have suffered a major trauma or who need neurological rehabilitation. I have a 'hands on' role with my patients too, working alongside therapy and nursing colleagues. There's a lot of support needed also for the nearest and dearest of patients in coping with the situations they find themselves in.
How has life changed at work and at home, since the onset of the crisis?
Increased stress levels, lots of anxiety and fear from staff, patients and families who are scared to be in the hospital with covid-19 and the risk of catching it. Working in PPE is difficult. It can be scary treating patients who are then identified as suspect sufferers of the virus, waiting for their results, sometimes then being found to be positive. But there’s lots of support of each other within teams, and it really helps to have such good wishes and kind gestures from the public. At home, not being able to see family is really hard. My mum lives 50 miles away and on her own. My daughter and son in law live away, my youngest daughter is still at home. She's a health care worker on a ward which brings additional worry. I don't live with my partner so I’m not seeing him. No normal social life, but keeping in touch on social media. I've finally joined Facebook to access the 1000 mile group… I feel like I've entered the 21st century! I'm not sleeping so well so feeling tired. Getting out on my daily walk helps, a lot, my daughter comes too if she's not at work. I'm generally keeping busy, I've got the cleanest house I've had for a really long time!
And what about your feelings?
Mixed feelings. Lots of anxiety about so much, family, friends, people generally, the country if that doesn't seem like an overstatement. Fear that the dreadful thing will overcome a loved one. When will it all end and normality return? Gratitude that me and mine have still got their health, that I can get out to work and not just be stuck in the house. Grateful that I have some nice countryside not too far from the door so can get out to walk and see beauty around me. Frustration with misinformation, then the same feeling overloaded and overwhelmed by too much of it. Optimism that it will end sometime. Hopeful that we'll all have learned what's important and necessary to live a contented life. I could go on and on...
Can you tell us a bit about what walking means to you in ordinary life?
I love walking. I came to it comparatively late in life, in my mid 40s. And that's a regret. But, long walks at the weekend and holidays. Social activity. Going away with friends and family. Pub lunches, cake, coffee, scones and cream. Fabulous views. I love it all.
And what about at the moment?
Walking is saving my sanity! Fresh air, exercise, calmness, contemplation, mindfulness I suppose. It enables me to be able to switch off, or think things through. No longer social and definitely, sadly, no pubs or sweet treats. But daily and essential.
Can you name something you like about the #walk1000miles community?
It's a community with a shared and common interest that has such a supportive element to it. Complete strangers looking out for each other. It's really lovely. Great photos. Currently, and I hope he doesn't mind me saying, Guy's daily vid is very entertaining. Really really love #screwyoucovid!
Complete this sentence…
Right now I could kill for a…
A scone with jam and cream and a cup of tea, at the end of a long long walk ideally on the coast.
The last thing that made me smile was…
Receiving flowers from my daughter and son in law this morning with a note saying " thank you for all you and Sophie are doing for the NHS, we miss you "
I wish more than anything that…
Life was back to normal and covid was beaten.
It’s been a good day when…
Works finished, I've been for a walk across the fields, I'm home, all of my family is safe, and I've a large glass of cold white in my hand!
I really believe that…
We'll get through this! And as Captain Tom says, tomorrow will be a good day.
When all this is over, the biggest treat I can imagine is…
Having all of my family in one room together.
There's one other thing I'd like to say, and it's...
A huge thank you to everyone who maintained social distancing and stayed home despite how hard it's been. It’s made a huge difference. We'll never know truly how much.
‘I feel scared but I’ve been overwhelmed by the support’
Elaine Beecham, District Nurse in Carlisle. Three time 1000-miler
Can you tell us a little about where you work and what your job involves in normal times?
I provide nursing care for patients who are housebound. Since Covid-19 an increasing number of patients are being discharged from hospital sooner than they would be under normal circumstances. One of the most rewarding aspects is being able to support people at the end of their life to be able to fulfil their wish to die at home.
How are you feeling at the moment?
I feel scared about what the coming weeks may bring. But I feel totally overwhelmed by the support and kindness shown to myself and my colleagues and the NHS as a whole. It has made me feel very humble to be appreciated so much for doing my job. Knowing the difference you are making helps you to keep calm and carry on.
What does walking mean to you?
Walking now means more than ever. With government restrictions I am currently pavement pounding but being out, hearing the birds sing, seeing the changes in the trees and flowers, just being out in nature helps me let go of what I have faced that day and reminds me that even in dark times there is beauty all around. It lifts my mood, clears my head and gives me a sense of achievement.
Can you name something you like about the #walk1000miles community
Even on a bad day #walk1000miles helps you find positives. I am truly grateful for the challenge and the friendships this community has brought me. It’s amazing.
Complete this sentence…
The last thing that made me smile was…
The way people around the world have got behind Captain Tom Moore.
I really believe that…
Together we stand strong and we will get through this.
When all this is over, the biggest treat I can imagine is…
Time away with family/friends/fellow badgers enjoying walking, sunshine, laughter and a little drink or two.
There's one other thing I'd like to say, and it's...
Everyone has been thanking me but I would like to say thank you – everyone is playing their part.
Support our nurses! Buy out commemorative holographic sticker – 100% of profits to the NHS
Click the sticker to visit the shop
• You can hear from many more 1000-milers on the front line in the June issue of Country Walking
