Good to hear that five friends have completed a 31.5-mile charity walk through Bath and the surrounding countryside, spending 15 hours on foot and raising more than £3,000 for Family First Ghana.
Rosie Watts, Harriet Moatt, Liberty Hamer, Sarah Withams and Buse Yediayli set off from Bath Abbey at 6am on Saturday, 26 September, before making their way through Batheaston, Colerne, Slaughterford, Box, Bradford on Avon and Monkton Combe, eventually returning to Bath later that evening.
Originally planned as a 30-mile route, the challenge lived up to its name as the group went the extra mile, completing a total distance of 31.5 miles. So far, just over £3000 has been raised for Family First Ghana – triple the original £1,000 fundraising target – leaving everyone involved completely blown away by the generosity and support received.
The route took the five friends across a real mix of terrain, from canals and country roads to fields, woodland and steep climbs.
Their first major milestone came in Box, around 15 miles into the challenge, where their support team – made up of the walkers’ parents – were waiting with food, water and plenty of encouragement. Still in good spirits at the halfway point, the group continued towards Bradford on Avon, where the walk began to become more physically challenging.
Injuries started to appear, tired legs set in and some of the climbs proved particularly tough, but music, encouragement from within the group and the reminder of why they were walking helped keep everyone moving.
Sarah Withams said: “Walking 30 miles in a day seemed like a daunting challenge, but thanks to the girls, we all got through it together. Even when we had tired legs, we were spurred on by the generous donations and support from our family and friends.”
After reaching Bradford on Avon, the walkers rejoined the canal for a familiar stretch before continuing towards Monkton Combe. By the time they reached mile 27, it was around 7 pm, and darkness was beginning to fall. There, they were greeted once again by their support team, as well as live music at the Wheelwright Arms, giving the group an unexpected boost before the final few miles.
Head torches and extra layers went on as they continued into the evening.
Having started the walk in darkness that morning, the group found themselves finishing in darkness too – a moment that really brought home just how long they had been on their feet. The final section took them through the old railway tunnel and back into Bath, before a final walk down towards Bath Spa railway station, where family members were waiting to cheer them across the finish.
Harriet Moatt said: “I still can’t quite believe we did it. Completing 31.5 miles together is something I’ll always be incredibly proud of and something I know we’ll all remember for a long time.
“There were definitely tough moments, especially when injuries started to kick in, but we kept each other going and made some amazing memories along the way. Knowing exactly where the money is going, and the difference it can make, was the best motivation we could have had.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who donated, supported us and cheered us on. Every message and every bit of encouragement really did help us keep putting one foot in front of the other.”
Buse Yediayli added: “The walk was challenging and painful at times, but knowing we were doing it for such a meaningful cause made every step worth it. I’m so grateful for the support, the encouragement and, most of all, the memories we made together.”
The walkers were also overwhelmed by the support they received from members of the public along the route. People stopped to ask what they were doing and wished them luck, while messages of encouragement and new donations continued to come in throughout the day.
Liberty Hamer said: “I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together. It was a long, challenging day and there were definitely some aches and pains along the way, but having such a lovely group to lean on made all the difference.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who supported us and donated to such a wonderful cause. It made every step worthwhile.”
The walk was organised in aid of Family First Ghana, a charity supporting families of children with disabilities and complex medical needs in Kumasi, Ghana. The charity works directly with children and families while partnering with hospitals, schools and community organisations to improve access to inclusive education, therapy and safe spaces to learn, play and develop.
Money raised through the challenge will help fund projects including a safe and accessible outdoor play area at Agape Love Inclusive School, specialist therapeutic equipment, classroom resources and outreach physiotherapy and speech and language therapy delivered in homes, schools and local communities.
Rosie Ama Watts, founder of Family First Ghana, said: “We are honestly overwhelmed by the incredible support this challenge has received.
“To have raised such a significant amount of money means so much to us, because we know the difference it can make to children and families in Ghana.
“Family First Ghana is committed to helping children with disabilities have opportunities to learn, play, communicate and develop their independence, while also working alongside and supporting the families and communities around them. The day itself was filled with laughter, words of encouragement, sore legs and a few blisters, but I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together. Every step was worth it, knowing that the money raised will help create more opportunities and make a lasting difference to children with disabilities in Ghana.”
The group says completing 31.5 miles in a single day was a huge personal achievement, but seeing the fundraising total continue to climb made the challenge even more meaningful.
With more than £2,800 already raised, donations are still open for anyone who would like to support Family First Ghana and help the total climb even higher:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/extra-mile-brighter-futures
For anyone who would like to learn more about Family First Ghana, its work and the ways they can continue to support the charity, further information can be found at:
