Well we did it! We walked 60 long kilometres (that’s 37.5 miles in old money) on a very hot 10th of May across the South Downs – starting and finishing at Goodwood racecourse, taking in the stunning scenery and hills of Arundel, Amberley Brooks, Bignor Hill and Graffham Down on route.

We started the day with a hearty breakfast and stepped out into the Sussex sunshine at 9.15am – then we put one foot in front of the other and kept repeating until we crossed the finish line at 11.15pm in the torch and moonlight!

It was an uphill struggle at times but we made a fab team and supported each other through some tough and quite emotional bits, as well as sharing some amazing moments, breathtaking vistas from the top of some punishing hills and laughs along the way.

We were walking for CRY with Matthew Reid and his family in our hearts and minds and when the going got tough it was Matthew’s memory that pushed us onwards and upwards!

The blisters, heat rash and loss of toenails were all worthwhile as through the generosity of many friends and family members (and Gift Aid – we are loving the Gift Aid!) we raised the grand total of £1870.56!

We raised the money through our “Just Giving” page and through the generosity of the rugby fans being fed and watered by “The Scrummery”.

The event was brilliantly organised by Across The Divide and the support and encouragement from the team of volunteers and medics was fabulous – we can’t thank them enough for all the food, drink and cheeky comments that made us smile!

We wore our CRY T-shirts with pride and we are very proud that we did this together with Matthew in our thoughts and extremely grateful to everyone for their generosity and support.

We hope that we have helped to promote the work of CRY and that the money raised will help to protect other young people and families.

Karen Griffiths, Denise Roberts and Chris Smith-Page