UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

Well, we've now completed Day 1 of the walk. We being Mike (whose idea it was) Hanan, Kenny and me. And it was wonderful! We had no idea there were such beautiful places in SE London. The route hardly touches any roads at all - we went through a beautiful park called Maryon Park, then through Woolwich Common, Eltham Common, Oxleas Wood, Eltham Park, past Eltham Palace and down country lanes to Grove Park. Some of the views were stupendous (which of course means there were some hills to climb!) If the rest of the walk is like today, then it's going to be great. So if anybody near London wants a great day out, do join us. There's still 8 more days to do, and the route is on the events section if you want to see where we're walking each day and where to meet up (but give Mike a call so that we know to expect you). And if you can't make it, then please sponsor us and support the KC Group!
Off now to have a long soak in a hot bath before starting again tomorrow. Oh, and please pray that the weather forecast of rain for tomorrow is wrong!
Anne

Well done Anne and co. (so far), and thanks for bigging up SE London!

I've never been to Maryon park, but I grew up around the rest of today's stuff!

Days 2 and 3
Well, the heavens were kind to us on Saturday - we did have a bit of rain, but not enough to dampen our spirits! And Sunday was another lovely day, with more people joining us as we ambled through all the commons south of London, Streatham Common, Tooting Bec Common, and Wandsworth Common. Today's stretch will take us through Richmond Park - I'm looking forward to seeing all the deer.
It would be lovely to see more people between now and Saturday - if a whole day's walking is too much, you're always welcome to join us for an hour or two.
Anne

A big pat on the back to you guys, a great fun idea! Its got so many benifits, you can see the sights, keep fit, talk, meet people, raise money and acheive something all in one go!

You guys are something special!!!!!!!!

From the sedentry seclusion of my study, well done and bon chance to Anne and the rest. We're proud of you!

Thanks for all the support guys - though what I really need is a new pair of feet! But the sun is still shining for us as we meander along by rivers, along canal towpaths, ancient footpaths that have somehow survived the craze to concrete everything over. Got some reinforcements today in the shape of Phil (some of you will know him as Marathon Man). So as the rest of us are getting old and tired, we decided to split todays walk (it was supposed to be almost 12 miles). Phil and I did the first half and Mike and Hanan are doing the other bit. Unfortunately Phil and I got the short straw - 2 major hills to climb! (Horsenden Hill and Harrow on the Hill and OK I know you have real hills in your part of the world Andrew). I'm having a day off tomorrow - my excuse is that I'm doing the organ donation study - but Mike will be pressing on. We finish (on crutches?) on Saturday. Still hoping a few people may join us on the last day, if not before.
Anne

When you've been walking day after day, any hill is a major hurdle to cross. I am lost in admiration; power to you, Anne!

Andrew

Welcome reinforcements today in the shape of Peter, Paul, Kirsty and not forgetting Maisie the West Highland terrier, whose little short legs carried her valiantly from Manor House to Hackney Wick! Today's route took us through an amazing old cemetery with 300,000 graves which is now also a nature reserve and then meandered past the Hackney Marshes along a lovely canal towpath. Can't believe tomorrow is the last day. Hope to see some more new faces then - meeting at Hackney Wick station at 9.45. Come and help carry us past the finishing post!
Anne

Well, it's done! Many thanks to Val and Rosemary who joined us yesterday and helped encourage us on to the finishing post. I took a few photos along the way, so hopefully John or Gareth will be able to scan them in as evidence and post them on the site. It was all great fun, and Mike is already talking about organising a similar event next year!
So get those sponsorship forms in so that our efforts won't have been in vain. Richard, I hope your climb went well - sponsors for Snowdon also very welcome!
Anne

Well done to you all

Anne