FAQ's

"choose life, choose living, go digging for essence..."

This weeks blog provides a few answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQ's) which have been posed to me ever since I unveiled my plans to organise a charity walk next April.
Just to confirm that my intention is to walk the entire length of The South Downs Way (100 miles) in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Why Cancer Research UK?
As some of you are no doubt aware, somebody especially close to me has recently being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Also, a very good friend of mine has a girlfriend who is suffering with the same condition.
In addition, I recently found out that my ex-father-in-law passed away after a long battle with cancer.
And finally, a close friend of mine has worked for and supported Cancer Research UK, so for all of these reasons this charity seemed a very worthy cause.

Why the delay until next April?
This is purely for practical reasons.
Firstly, I have no holiday entitlement until the next financial year.
Secondly, this gives me sufficient time to fully prepare fitness wise, and properly organise the event.
And finally, the specific date of April 23rd to April 27th was decided as it comes after the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, and also after the running of the London Marathon on Sunday April 22nd, as I didn't want to detract from, or clash with anybody else's possible charity efforts.

Why are you walking west to east?
Most of the guide books describe the route starting in Eastbourne and ending in Winchester.
But I've decided to walk in the opposite direction for three specific reasons:
1. Winchester is easier to get to for an early start on a Monday morning.
2. I like the idea of ending my trek by the coast/seaside and the cliffs of Eastbourne.
3. Generally the 'bad' weather comes from the west, so if I am unfortunate enough to experience heavy rain or cold winds they should at least be at my back and not in my face.

Why aren't you camping?
I did think of doing this at one stage, but again practical reasons made me think otherwise.
If I choose to camp this would meann having to carry extra equipment which I'd rather not have to do.
Also, after walking 20 miles every day I think I deserve a comfortable bed every night!

Can I sponsor you in the 'old' fashioned way?
You most certainly can. As well as having the 'Just Giving' page (please see link attached) which allows donations to be made directly from bank accounts, there will also be a manual sponsorship form that I will permanently have with me, so donations can be listed on this form and funds collected after the walk has been completed. But I must stress that as the event is 6 months away I wouldn't neccesarily expect many donations just yet.

Donations Link: http://www.justgiving.com/SteveMuskett27010

Can I join you on your route?
By all means, the more the merrier. Also, you don't have to do the entire walk ~ you could always do just a single stage if this proves more appealing. I am quite prepared to trek on my own but any company would be greatly appreciated, although two of my work colleagues (Curph & Ross) have recently expressed an interest to join me ~ cheers guys!

What training are you currently undertaking?
I'm commited to walking every Sunday between now and then to help prepare me as best I can. Once next year arrives, I shall step-up this regime to include Saturdays, and then once March hits I shall endeavour to walk every night in addition to the weekends.
I recently purchased some new walking boots and I'm glad to report that I've sufficiently broken them in as I trekked the entire length of The Centurion Way last Sunday, including all around the West Dean estate for over four hours ~ making an approximate distance of 16 miles!

How will we know that you've actually completed the walk?
Good question ~ If I do the walk by myself I guess you'll only have my word for it, but I like to think my honesty and integrity will prove sufficient! Lol.
But I'll be taking regular pictures showing locations and uploading them via Facebook.
Unfortunately, I won't have access to a PC/laptop so my blog won't be getting updated until after the event.

If you have any further queries or questions please don't hesitate to contact me either via this blog by leaving comments, or by posting on my Facebook wall, or sending me an e-mail to: stevemuskett@yahoo.com

I shall be alternating my weekly blogs from now on between fundraising updates and random subjects which prove relevant at the time, as I don't want to continually bang on about the charity walk and bore everybody rigid! Lol.

Ramblin' Steve