The Walkers
Helen
Lindy
I was hoping that it wouldn't be too much of a shock to my system, as I come from a fairly strong walking background. I used to be a Venture Scout (before I got 'old'), which involved all sorts of hiking and walking, so I've been at it for a while (and still not realized the error of my ways!!). I have also done an 8-day backpacking holiday along the South Wales coastline, which was fun, but very different from the route that we're planning for this! So this is the next challenge - and having seen the route and the training plan - I'm now not quite so cocky!!
My working background is a computing one - I graduated from the University of Glamorgan with a BSc in I.T. and a Master of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering. This led me to an interest in Forensic Computing, which in turn led me to my current job as a Digital Forensic Investigator at the QinetiQ, in beautiful Malvern.
When I'm not working, I can be found most often in or near the water - I love swimming, surfing and canoeing. I like to spend as much time as possible outside in summer, and resent the winter every year for keeping me indoors! I have also been known to compete at Aquathlon, which is a multisport discipline involving swimming then running. Needless to say, training for both elements takes up an inordinate amount of my week!
My favourite ways to spend the (far too long) winter months are listening to music and reading, or enjoying a glass of wine and some good conversation (even if it is sometimes just with my cat!).
A huge THANKS to everyone who is already supporting us, and if you're not yet, please let me direct you to the Sponsorship page! :)
Helen
If you have got this far into the website I urge you now to dig deep into your pockets and help us to raise as much money as possible for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal. Especially those of you who have, like me seen the hearses on route from RAF Lyneham to Oxford, bringing their precious cargo back to the UK from Afghanistan. Please remember their families and equally please remember the members of our Armed Forces who we hear less of, those who have been maimed and who may well need the help of the British Legion for the remainder of their lives. I suspect that some of you could very well have a friend, a colleague or a family member who might one day be grateful for the assistance of this wonderful organisation.
During the day I am the manager of the Centre for Forensic Computing at Cranfield University at Shrivenham in Oxfordshire and in doing so I work very closely with the law enforcement community, hence the 'fingerprints' reference.
I have an extremely quirky sense of humour and a complete sense of the ridiculous; and I am always the first person to laugh at myself.
I would like to say that I have exciting, interesting hobbies and that I drive fast cars (I wish) at the weekends. Alas no, I am currently spending much of my free time training for this year's walk. What leisure time I do have I spend relaxing with my son, my daughter, my brother their families and my 3 dogs.
One of the biggest joys of my life are my grandchildren; Megan (aged 7), Maisy (soon to be 3) and DJ (also, soon to be 3).
Lindy