Walk for George
Looking back and writing this a few months after the walk to Woolacombe, it feels like it was all a dream. I suppose that sums up how it feels most of the time since George died.
I knew I needed to do something to keep my mind focused and Lucy (best friend) and Rach, Meg, and Phoebe (sisters-in-law) were 100% behind me. I was a bit blasé and thought walking 150+ miles to Woolacombe wouldn’t be that big a deal and we would hopefully raise a few hundred pounds for ‘George’s Fund’.
It turns out that planning an 8-day walking route whilst avoiding major roads along with sorting accommodation, trying to get people to sponsor and a bit of training chucked in, was a bit all-consuming but I was grateful to keep my mind busy.
We couldn’t have done it without the huge amount of support from school parents, teachers, friends, family, and partners.
When we left the boys’ school at Stretton Sugwas we were surrounded by a sea of orange. It was just amazing and something we will never forget.
As well as walking the first couple of miles along with their school friends, George’s brothers Oscar and Harry joined us for parts throughout the week. I hope we showed them that life, love and hope still exist amongst the pain and sadness. They still talk about the walk and Harry’s favourite colour is now firmly orange (the same as George's). I couldn’t be any more prouder of them both.
We had constant surprises along the way with people popping up each day. Some people I hadn’t seen for years and it meant so much to have their encouragement. Everyone we spoke to and met were just so full of love and support, it’s hard to put down in words the generosity.
I can remember on day 6 I was walking at the back by myself and a Land Rover slowed down and wound down the window. The guy asked what we were doing and after I explained he handed me £50. A complete stranger, I just couldn’t believe it, we all burst into tears! There were a few more like that as well.
Despite the blisters, shin splints, and a bit of back pain we made it to Woolacombe beach. The feeling of reaching the beach was amazing. We had made it and more importantly all our friends and family were there to greet us - the teachers had even come down on the minibus to be there.
With the support of everyone, ‘Walk for George’ raised an incredible £56,000. Way, way beyond our expectations.
The money means we can help so many other children but it also shows us that although terrible things happen in the world you can still find hope in hopelessness.
Thank you so much to everyone involved X