On 25 - 26 May, Banbury Sams listener Derek Jones, set off to walk the 100 km from London to Brighton non-stop to raise funds for the branch - and he made it!
Derek completed his gruelling walk in 31 hours and although it was non-stop, the walkers were allowed refreshment stops but definitely no sleep! As if that wasn't enough of a challenge, Derek also has Parkinson's Disease and had to manage his medication carefully throughout the walk as well as hoping for a "good" day. He was seen off by his partner and their ever lively labrador, Charlie, who were both also there to encourage him over the last 20 km. The surprise of seeing his daughter at the 90 km mark was also a huge lift to Derek's spirits and he said to all his supporters and sponsors " You'll have no idea how much your messages and donations helped in the dark moments, and there were many.... mostly from 2km to 100km!”
Derek has raised over £1,400 to keep Banbury and District Samaritans running - an incredible sum and we are so grateful to him. And his final words to anyone thinking of doing something similar - “When your ego tells you that you've done enough training, just pause. Try instead listening to the wisdom of your long suffering partner. Because, my friends, your ego is not telling the truth!” What a hero.
The finish line