Why Fingerprints & Footsteps?
Hello and welcome to the Fingerprints & Footsteps Website. I hope you enjoy your visit and when you leave the site I hope that a little of my enthusiasm will have rubbed off onto you.
The idea for Fingerprints & Footsteps was originally conceived on a dreary day in early November 2005, the winter stretched ahead and I was looking for something to occupy my mind and body, which was not work orientated. Initially I considered training for the London Marathon (but as quickly as it sprang into my mind it sprang out again). Somehow the idea of a two week walking, summer, holiday was decided upon. At this point a friend, Helen asked if she could come along too. I think she thought we were going on a nice gentle ramble on one of the coastal path routes. How wrong was she!! My next question was why should we do it? Should it be just us walking for fun (fun?) or should our energies be doing some good for others? There was no question in my mind here, so the next question was which charity or cause should benefit?
The money raised from Fingerprints & Footsteps 2006 was donated to a unit, carrying out research into chronic liver diseases, at the Hammersmith Hospital.
In 2007 I set out on an intended 185 mile solo walk in aid of the research into pre-eclampsia being carried out by Tommy's, the baby charity. Sadly I had to abandon the walk on the third day; for this I have to thank the driver of a, speeding silver Mondeo car, who it would appear thought I made a fairly good target. The result of my jumping out of the way was two broken toes and torn ligaments in my leg. This occurred at the end of the first day; I managed to continue a further 15 miles over the next two days but eventually had to admit defeat. Thanks to those who honoured their sponsored amounts even though I did not complete.
In 2010, Helen is back with me and we are looking at something a little different. The intended route will commence with a ferry trip from Portsmouth to Guernsey (we will be walking throughout the journey), we will then walk around the island of Guernsey and then, after a ferry transfer, walk around the island of Jersey. We will then, after another ferry crossing, walk from Poole to the Defence Academy of the UK which is based in Shrivenham in Oxfordshire. Give or take the odd footstep, this will be 180 miles.
All costs of the walk, other than donated services will be borne by me and my supporters. We do need help with on route expenses.
My thanks to Helen for putting her life on hold to train and join with me this year and also for the development and upkeep of the website
I would also like to say a special thank you to my two children and their families for offering their unconditional support, encouragement and love. Those thanks also extend to my brother and to his family.
Thank you for visiting and please remember to visit the sponsorship page before you leave. If you would like to discuss any aspect of the walk please feel free to contact me at prints_steps@btinternet.com or telephone me on 07745 960974. Not only do we need sponsorship but we also need support with on route costs; accommodation, petrol etc
Lindy