A Journey of Hope and Hills

Our Cotswold Way Ultra Challenge Experience

There’s a unique charm to the Cotswolds, with its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and lush fields stretching out like a green carpet. But on a bright Saturday morning at 08:30, Cirencester transformed from a peaceful town into the starting line for an incredible adventure - the 53 km Cotswold Way Ultra Challenge.

Our motley crew of 13 brave souls had one mission: to traverse this beautiful yet demanding landscape and raise funds for The Sick Children's Trust, a charity close to our hearts. With every step, every ache, and every blister, we were making a difference, ensuring families with a sick child in hospital had one less thing to worry about - a place to stay and a supportive shoulder to lean on.

Fresh Faces and High Spirits

Armed with an enthusiastic spirit (and a hefty supply of blister plasters), we set off from Cirencester. The first stretch was a delightful jaunt through grassy fields and shady woods. Spirits were high, jokes were cracked, and the reality of 53 kilometres hadn't quite hit us yet.

But as the saying goes, "What goes up must come down" - and vice versa. The rolling hills soon started to feel more like rolling pinches on our leg muscles. Each ascent and descent was a reminder of why we trained so hard, yet also a testament to our collective determination.

Laughter, Leg Pains, and Lush Landscapes

The terrain was as varied as our group, from rocky paths that tested our balance to muddy trails that had us slipping and sliding like we were on a messy dance floor. The open fields gave us breath-taking views, while the vineyards added a touch of elegance to our journey, and the occasional frolic by some. If only our feet could appreciate the scenery as much as our eyes did.

We passed through charming villages where locals cheered us on, their encouragement a much-needed boost, although, as one spectator put it “just two more little hills and a few turns and you’ll be there” seemed to be well fabricated fib, as the journey seemed to never end. At one point, I think we all contemplated trading our hiking boots and trainers for a bicycle, Segway or quick taxi to the end, but the thought of our mission - raising funds for The Sick Children's Trust - kept us going. Plus, we were pretty sure a Segway wouldn't fit in our backpacks.

The Home Stretch

As the hours ticked by, the kilometres did too - albeit at a snail's pace. Blisters formed like unwelcome souvenirs, and muscles were aching in places we didn't know existed. Heat exhaustion had made an appearance, and the old knee joint pains decided to join the party. Yet, through it all, our camaraderie never wavered. Each person’s struggle became a shared experience, and every joke cracked lightened the load.

After over 10.5 gruelling hours, the end was finally in sight, although the last kilometre down to Wotton Sports Centre felt like an absolute lifetime. We crossed the finish line not just as individuals but as a united force, each step a testament to our resilience and our shared purpose.

The Heart of the Matter

The real triumph wasn't just completing the 53 km hike, though that was an extraordinary achievement. The true victory was the ￡3,500+ we raised for The Sick Children's Trust. This amount covers 88 nights of accommodation for families, giving them comfort and support during some of their toughest times.

Our journey was filled with ups and downs - literally and figuratively - but it was also filled with laughter, friendship, and a deep sense of purpose. We came together, pushed through the pain, and made a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. Now, that's a walk to remember.

Here’s to sore muscles, strong friendships, and the incredible power of community. Until the next adventure.

If you would like to still make a donation big or small, please use the link here .

A massive shout out and huge thank you to the following amazing people for their extraordinary efforts:

• Chelsé Grant
• Lee Harvey
• Jankee Khambhaita
• Ula Lukawska
• Sarah Abernethy
• Shafayat Sarqume
• Lee Grant
• Callum Lane
• Jennifer Dear
• Alex Carter
• Imran Patel
• Mark Charlton