FROME man, Mike Smith celebrated his 50th birthday by completing 100-mile sponsored walk for charity during the half-term holidays.
Mike planned to walk the 100 miles in five days to raise money for Positive Action on Cancer and Dorothy House. However, Mike was struck by injury on the first day and was forced to continue for the next four days in agony to complete his challenge.
Mike said, “I set out from Bratton on the Monday morning in high spirits. During the afternoon, I felt excruciating pain in my knee and ankle and felt almost unable to put my foot to the floor. The pain continued in waves over the next four days and things were made even worse on Thursday, with heavy rain all day.
“Despite this, I managed to keep my spirits high during the event and this was also helped by the generosity of the people who offered me accommodation each night. Friday arrived and faced with a long uphill climb, I felt like giving up, but I was determined to complete the challenge and raise as much money as possible for charity, so battled on. I arrived in Lyme Regis late afternoon on Friday to a welcome from my family and some welcome fish and chips!”
PAC fundraiser Kelly Hall said, “We are so pleased that Mike managed to reach the end of his challenge and we thank him for choosing to support Positive Action on Cancer.”
If you would like to sponsor Mike you can do so by visiting www.justgiving.com/walkingboots-and-a-Prayer.
PAC is currently the only organisation to offer free professional counselling to any adults or children affected or bereaved by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses in BANES, Somerset and West Wilts. If you would like further information about counselling, the work of the charity or fundraising please contact Karen Dufton, administrator at PAC on 01373 455255 or info@positiveactiononcancer.co.uk