Who am I?
I’m Beth (short for Elizabeth) and in June 2018 I found myself at a crossroads in life. I had just graduated from university as a mature student, I had no job and, for the first time in more years than I can remember, no dependents. I was free to do whatever I fancied, and I fancied exploring Britain whilst fundraising for charity. The aim was to walk as much of the coast of Britain as practical, plus some long distance inland paths, raising awareness and money for the Association of Lowland Search and Rescue, Mountain Rescue England and Wales, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
So, on 3rd October 2018, after giving the keys of my home back to my landlady and putting my possessions into storage, I began my epic Charity Walk from Tower lifeboat station, Victoria Embankment, London. Since then I walked 3,000 miles clockwise around the coast and inland, walking 10-12 miles a day and having a physical rest day every 4th, full-time, solo and unsupported; I had no partner or support team in the background helping me with the huge amount of admin work involved in a project like that or with logistical issues of getting to and from accommodation. I was the walker, the fundraiser, the project manager, the route planner, the PR officer, the social media officer, and my own moral support. The only support I received was from the kindness of strangers offering me their spare rooms, food, clothes washing facilities, and transport for me and my rucksack.
Alas, with only the Suffolk and Essex coasts left to walk, Covid-19 put pay to completing my fundraiser for the foreseeable future, leaving me free to concentrate on a different type of adventure; My new career as a professional, registered Nutritionist. I am also working towards a Lowland Leader qualification which will enable me to safely lead groups of people on walks throughout the lowland areas of the UK.
I hope you will join me on this new journey. Much love, Beth.
