From Karl's FB - Truly amazing achievement:
** A POIGNANT PILGRIMAGE – THE FINAL DAY **
** WEDNESDAY 24 JULY – WICKFORD TO SOUTHEND **
74 days after starting...
60 days of walking...
1005 miles...
2,141,092 steps...
nearly 150 walking companions...
It all culminated on the final day of the pilgrimage, and what a fantastic (but VERY emotional) way to end it
It all began at 8am at Wickford Train Station, where I was joined by Simon Brown,
Grace Gunn and
Sam Booth and we walked together to Rayleigh Train Station. As much as we sough to seek out offroad paths, the final stretch into Rayleigh saw us walking along London Road. It was an absolute pleasure to walk with these 3 people, none of who knew each other before yesterday and yet all 4 of us bonded, laughed, chatted and seeing this camaraderie was just lovely to see. And this idea that “strangers” can connect over a common cause (such as walking, or supporting a charity) will stay with me long after this walk finishes
Once at Rayleigh ,we were joined by
Joanne Joseph,
Helen Skinner and
Lisa Whittington Durham.
The “Magnificent Seven” then set off through Cherry Orchard to arrive at Eastwood Community Centre just after 12.
As we were not due to resume walk until 1pm, this gave people a chance to rest some weary legs.
By 1pm, the walking group had increased significantly as we were joined by lots more friends and family.
We set off for Priory Park and it was at this stage of the walk that I officially passed the 1000-mile mark.
At Priory Park, the main walking group made their way to Roots Hall. Carli's family detoured to Sutton Road Cemetery to place flowers on her headstone and we passed by St Mary's Church where we were married on 24 July 2004
It was at both these locations, that all the emotions built up over the past few weeks just came pouring out and I will admit to completely breaking down
One of the aims of this walk was to honour the memory of Carli in the most unforgettable way and I think I achieved. I know I can move forward “with” Carli but create a new future that will bring me happiness....and I know that this is what she would want for me
The family arrived at Roots Hall at 3.10pm and the very final leg of the walk was to sit in the seats where Carli would sit with Jess, Ethan and myself
Carli's ashes were only spread at two locations today....St Mary's Church and the area in front of the stand where we sit at Roots Hall
Carli will be forever with us
There are so many thank you's I will want to make over next few days and I will try to remember every single person who contributed....it is a LOT of people
This morning, I am emotionally drained and physically shattered. The next few days will definitely bring a period of reflection....on where I've been, who I've met, what I've achieved and where I go from here
The third photo I've shared is a screenshot from Strava, where every day's walk has been recorded.
** donations **
I have now raised £9,220 (plus £4,500 offline) during this journey. If you'd like to donate to my walk, this is the link to my just giving page:-
https://www.justgiving.com/page/karl-lansley-1696527118858
** heart screenings **
Part of this pilgrimage is to raise awareness of the free heart screenings available to young people (aged 14-35). All the checks are administered by Cardiac Risk In The Young. If you would like to attend one of the screenings funded by our Foundation – currently all screenings are in Southend – please message me via Facebook. If you live in another part of the country, or are unable to get to Essex, please register your interest with CRY at the following link and they will notify you when a screening day is available in your area:-
https://www.testmyheart.org.uk/
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** A POIGNANT PILGRIMAGE – THE FINAL DAY **
** WEDNESDAY 24 JULY – WICKFORD TO SOUTHEND **
74 days after starting...
60 days of walking...
1005 miles...
2,141,092 steps...
nearly 150 walking companions...
It all culminated on the final day of the pilgrimage, and what a fantastic (but VERY emotional) way to end it
It all began at 8am at Wickford Train Station, where I was joined by Simon Brown, Grace Gunn and Sam Booth and we walked together to Rayleigh Train Station. As much as we sough to seek out offroad paths, the final stretch into Rayleigh saw us walking along London Road. It was an absolute pleasure to walk with these 3 people, none of who knew each other before yesterday and yet all 4 of us bonded, laughed, chatted and seeing this camaraderie was just lovely to see. And this idea that “strangers” can connect over a common cause (such as walking, or supporting a charity) will stay with me long after this walk finishes
Once at Rayleigh ,we were joined by Joanne Joseph, Helen Skinner and Lisa Whittington Durham.
The “Magnificent Seven” then set off through Cherry Orchard to arrive at Eastwood Community Centre just after 12.
As we were not due to resume walk until 1pm, this gave people a chance to rest some weary legs.
By 1pm, the walking group had increased significantly as we were joined by lots more friends and family.
We set off for Priory Park and it was at this stage of the walk that I officially passed the 1000-mile mark.
At Priory Park, the main walking group made their way to Roots Hall. Carli's family detoured to Sutton Road Cemetery to place flowers on her headstone and we passed by St Mary's Church where we were married on 24 July 2004
It was at both these locations, that all the emotions built up over the past few weeks just came pouring out and I will admit to completely breaking down
One of the aims of this walk was to honour the memory of Carli in the most unforgettable way and I think I achieved. I know I can move forward “with” Carli but create a new future that will bring me happiness....and I know that this is what she would want for me
The family arrived at Roots Hall at 3.10pm and the very final leg of the walk was to sit in the seats where Carli would sit with Jess, Ethan and myself
Carli's ashes were only spread at two locations today....St Mary's Church and the area in front of the stand where we sit at Roots Hall
Carli will be forever with us
There are so many thank you's I will want to make over next few days and I will try to remember every single person who contributed....it is a LOT of people
This morning, I am emotionally drained and physically shattered. The next few days will definitely bring a period of reflection....on where I've been, who I've met, what I've achieved and where I go from here
The third photo I've shared is a screenshot from Strava, where every day's walk has been recorded.
** donations **
I have now raised £9,220 (plus £4,500 offline) during this journey. If you'd like to donate to my walk, this is the link to my just giving page:-
https://www.justgiving.com/page/karl-lansley-1696527118858
** heart screenings **
Part of this pilgrimage is to raise awareness of the free heart screenings available to young people (aged 14-35). All the checks are administered by Cardiac Risk In The Young. If you would like to attend one of the screenings funded by our Foundation – currently all screenings are in Southend – please message me via Facebook. If you live in another part of the country, or are unable to get to Essex, please register your interest with CRY at the following link and they will notify you when a screening day is available in your area:-
https://www.testmyheart.org.uk/