Pennine Way Completion Certificate Will be Mine at Last

My three walking buddies, the two Johns plus Joe have kindly agreed to join me in June so I can complete the Pennine Way. We four attempted this gruelling path in mid 2009 but I had to pull out on day fourteen with just three days to go.

If you've experienced shin splints, you'll sympathise with how I was. I could hardly walk so I just hung around each day whilst they walked on and I went forward with the transport to meet them each night. Congratulations to the three of them, but I need to complete it. As many will know, you get a certificate at the Border Hotel, which is the traditional end of the 'Way' at Kirk Yetholm just over the Border into Scotland. With a mix of pleasure and disappointment, I watched them receive theirs.

Soon, all things being equal, it will be my turn. We leave on June 17th and will walk the 18th, 19th & 20th returning on the 21st. (It's a long way north don't yer know?).

My heartfelt thanks to the three of them for giving me this opportunity. I might have had a go on my own but it is pretty lonely up there and probably easy to get lost so I am glad I shan't be on my own.

My thanks also to all of those that sponsored me for Parkinson's Research. Your faith in me and patience is appreciated and will, later this year, be rewarded.