Walking warriors are stepping into action and embarking on their latest charity trek from Cambridge to Ipswich.
Carl Chatfield will be joined by a group of friends as they raise funds for worthy causes including East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The intrepid trekkers are walking from EACH’s Milton base to The Treehouse, in Ipswich – setting off at 3pm on Friday, 28th June.
They will then walk through the night, completing 55 miles in total, and hope to arrive at EACH’s Suffolk hospice around 1pm on the Saturday.
Carl was one of three to take on the group’s first trek, from Cambridge United’s Abbey Stadium to Ipswich Town’s Portman Road ground, raising around £9,000.
He was then joined by others for last year’s version, raising £15,000 after walking from Addenbrooke’s Hospital to Ipswich Hospital.
Now the group has grown and, in addition to EACH, they will also be raising funds for Suffolk Accident Rescue Service (SARS), Lymphoma Action and Helping Hands Ipswich.
“I felt shattered after both walks but there’s also an overwhelming sense of achievement. It’s a very proud moment, as I’m sure it will be this year,” said Carl, 42, who lives in Ipswich.
“It’s a special thing to be part of and we’re proud to have raised what we have. It’s a real achievement.
“I always feel inspired being around these people. Everyone is so focused and supportive – they’re like Gladiators.
“We help each other when the going gets tough, especially in the small hours of the night.
“Without doubt, it’s a mental challenge as much as a physical one and that’s when we need each other most, to keep everyone’s spirits high.”
Alongside Carl, the others taking on this year’s walk are Leigh Ellsmore, 50, Steven Nichols, 40, Sebastian Smith, 24, Clorina Warner, 30, Tina Keeley, 49, June Proctor, 65, Leo Leamey, 14, and Oliver Smith, 19.
The group had their first training trek when completing 16 miles on Easter Sunday.
“Looking back, I wasn’t properly prepared for our first walk and learnt some valuable lessons, which helped last year,” said Carl.
“Things like wearing anti-blister socks and lighter footwear made such a difference.
“After that first walk I remember saying ‘never again’. I was shattered, overcome with emotion and cried when we got to Portman Road.
“But when the dust settled, and the blisters had disappeared, I started to look back with real fondness.
“We had fun together and shared a unique experience, raising funds for worthy causes and also doing something positive for our own mental health.”
While everyone has their own personal reasons for taking part, Carl says he and the rest of the team are delighted to be supporting EACH.
He said: “We all have children and everyone agrees it’s such a worthy cause.
“We’re hopeful of raising as much as we can.”
Leigh, an operations manager at Wickham Market Medical Centre, lives in Saxmundham, butcher Steven lives in Saxmundham, support worker Sebastian lives in Ipswich, stay-at-home mum Clorina lives in Ipswich, property administrator Tina lives in Ipswich, retired June lives in Ipswich and barista Oliver also lives in Ipswich.
They have a three-strong support crew consisting of Carrie Basford, Shane Sparrow and Jon Paul.
To show your support and sponsor the group, head here.
