“Towards the end of 2009 an initial attempt to secure places on the Breast Cancer Moonwalk proved unsuccessful due to the high demand and high profile nature of the event. Not ones to give up Jayne Runnels Moss and Sharon Woodhouse, of Great Bromley and Ardleigh respectively,  planned an alternative charity event over a glass of wine in the local hostelry (The Cross Inn at Great Bromley).

With help and advice from the local Cancer Research team in Colchester it was decided to undertake a sponsored walk from The Cross Inn at Great Bromley to the Red Lion at Southwold  - a walk of just under 70 miles. The money raised would be specifically for bowel and prostate cancer research. At this time another member joined the team, Jeff Lubbock, who was already an accomplished walker and would provide support and enthusiasm. As both pubs are associated with the Adnams Brewery in Southwold they were approached for sponsorship which was provided by way of T Shirts and prizes for a raffle.

It was agreed that the walk would run over the period 16-19 July 2010 and training began in earnest in late December 2009 under the team name of ‘Strides of Hope’. Due to work commitments Jayne and Sharon were only able to meet up every Sunday morning and slowly built up the distance which included walking in the snow, rain and occasionally sunshine.

There was the logistical challenge of where we would stop each day but this proved fairly easy as Jayne and Sharon used Motorhomes and a tent was sufficient for Jeff. Thanks go out to the husbands who provided the backup support and ensured campsites were set up for our arrival and food on the table.

Prior to the walk we held two car boot sales and a raffle in The Cross Inn at Great Bromley to raise additional funds. The Cross Inn provided significant support  and assistance both prior to, and during the walk and we would like to thank them for this. Richard, the Landlord even got out of his bed before 0600 hrs to see us off at the beginning of the walk on 16 July 2010.

The first day (0600 hrs) of the walk was psychologically and physically the hardest as we had to complete 27 miles to get to Melton for an overnight stay in Rendelsham Forest. We made it in just on 9 hours of walking, not including rest stops. The second day once again saw an early start  (0600 hrs)in order to reach Sizewell where our next overnight stay, just over 21 miles in distance. Once again a well deserved rest was taken and we were able to have a slightly later start on day 3 (0800 hrs). The third day saw our last leg to Southwold which we achieved by early afternoon to a warm welcome from friends and family who were waiting for us to arrive.

Overall the walk was a challenge which we are all proud of achieving and culminated in us raising the fantastic sum of £3603.20 for prostate and bowel cancer research. Would we do it again? Maybe in another few years!”

Our heartfelt thanks to all o you who really made this ‘a day in our life’.  Lots of love from Brenda and Richard.

P.S.  A very special thank you to Dinah, who made it all happen – even the taxi service!

You can learn more about E.S.T’s work by going to the Donkey Sanctuary link on the right of this page.