I have always wondered if I could complete a marathon but never quite got round to entering one! after seeing many photos of people who do so and raise funds for CRY into the bargain I decided it was now or never. I got organised and found an event up here in Yorkshire where it is acceptable to walk the distance, and duly entered.
The Swaledale is essentially a fell runners event over some very challenging high terrain, but also a high percentage of entrants walk it . Because of the difficult course a degree of competency in the map reading department is required! I hoped this wouldn’t be needed as after all it was to take place in June and the weather should be reasonably good – Not the case! There was thick mist obscuring the trail for most of the day along with a fair bit of rain at the end so not ideal conditions! However after one rather scary episode where I found myself on my own and rather lost I managed to retrace my steps and find the right path and finally hook up with some very pleasant ladies who had completed the event before and I stayed with them until the end finishing in a respectable time of just under 8 hours – a personal best for them and a source of accomplishment for me!
On the way round lots of people asked me about CRY and my son’s story as I had his photo on a t-shirt on my rucksack. Think he helped me all the way round! It was wonderful to be able to let people know about the fantastic work CRY does, amazingly I received a few donations on my way round – didn’t think many would have cash on them! I also gave out some printouts of my JustGiving page details and received a couple more donations over the weekend.
I really enjoyed the day and feel very pleased that I have been able to raise a substantial amount to help with the cardiac screening programme. It was really good to be able to take part in a physical activity and so try to keep up with my daughter Vicky who has completed two very arduous fundraising events for CRY, one the day before Richard’s birthday this year. Who knows I may do it all again next year and perhaps see the stunning views of the Dales that I missed due to the poor weather!
Sandy Credland