“Christopher’s mileS” Sponsored Coastal Walk on 11^th July 2009 

The alarm sounded at 5.15am and it was up and off to Lulworth Cove to set up the registration point for our first sponsored walk. Optimism and hope that the grey cloud would lift and give rise to blue skies and sunshine was high but much as we hoped, it was in vain and the drizzle and rain was to stay for the duration…. 

Nonetheless we arrived and set up to await the arrival of 40 keen and enthusiastic walkers – from Surrey , Stoke and Dorset all coming together to walk and raise funds for Christopher’s Smile. 

Waitrose in Frimley had provided us with water and “energy bars” so once everyone had registered and group photos were taken, the walking commenced. 

Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door was the first challenge – a long slow incline with others to follow. The highest point was White Nothe and Kevin’s motivational words of encouragement (“This is the last steep part” used on several occasions) reassuring those struggling with some of the heights served to keep everyone going (Not sure the “motivation” will work again now people know it was a slight aberration of the truth!) 

The first group of walkers arrived after 2 hours at The Smuggler’s Inn at Osmington Mills and gradually the rest of the group gathered to enjoy a welcome and dry rest with lunch. The staff did a great job at looking after us and we had our own section of the pub in which to socialise. At 1.30pm the second part began – a gentler walk than in the morning and by 4 o’clock, the group had reassembled, this time at The Moby Dick on the seafront for a celebration and chance to kick off those muddy (very muddy!) boots for a while. The raffle was drawn, prizes handed out and the general concensus was that of a good day. 

Thanks to everyone for taking part and for the hospitality shown by people in Dorset at both pubs and also by our coach driver, Nigel from Wessex Bus who donated his fee to the charity.

New photos of 11th July have been added to the album below