Well, we did it. We walked 18 miles, through London, overnight. Despite my aching hips and legs, it was one of the best experiences I've had.
Peter and I were among more than 200 people who participated in the Big Issue Foundation's Big Walk event last Friday. The walk started and ended at the IMAX theatre in Waterloo and the route took us all over the place - along the Embankment, through Trafalgar Square, up to the madness of Camden, back through even more madness in Soho, down through Victoria and along the South Bank. We had four stops along the way where we put our feet up, threw back a glass of champagne and found the energy to continue.
One big problem was the weather, and no, it wasn't raining. It was unseasonably warm - beautiful weather for walking - which would have been fine had I not prepared for a very cold night. I was wearing leggings under my jeans, a fleece, two waterproof jackets and thick socks. I started sweating the minute I walked out the door. Hence the reason I resembled a deflated superhero with the capes around my shoulders and waist (well where else could I put them?).
About 20 Big Issue vendors joined us, and each of them had such a story to tell. Their circumstances are both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Billy, for example, is an incredibly energetic woman who was a heroin addict with liver and kidney failure before she finally kicked her habit. She now lives with her girlfriend and is studying to be a drugs counsellor (in her words, she certainly has "the experience"). Steve (below), who walked with us for the last half of the night, was a bomb disposal expert in the Gulf War who had a breakdown and found himself on the street. Smart, articulate and funny, Steve is a blast to be around (no pun intended).
For me, the best part was seeing the bond that a lot of vendors have with their pets. I used to be freaked out by homeless people who had animals; I was convinced they used the animal just for sympathy donations and that they kept them against their will, didn't feed them, etc., but I couldn't be more wrong. The animals I saw are probably better cared for and more adored than most family pets, and looked happy and healthy to boot. Billy's dog Sonic couldn't take her eyes off of Billy the entire time and obeyed her every command; James doesn't go anywhere without his cat Bob (above), who dutifully sat on his shoulders while wearing the latest look in neckwear.
My Feet
The very kind guys at Fitness Footwear thought that if I was walking 18 miles I may as well review a pair of boots while I was at it. I wore a pair of Merrell boots that, it must be said, performed beautifully. They even achieved the impossible and made my size 10 monsters look almost *dainty*! (I said almost). The boots fit really well and were super comfortable; they covered the ankle and you could cinch it tight for support or loosen it (as I did) if you wanted a more relaxed fit. They performed beautifully, and - let's be superficial here - they look good. More robust than sneakers, I was very glad to have them on.
I also wore a pair of snug Merrell socks that were comfy but were a bit overkill for the evening since the weather was so warm.
Thanks to everyone who sponsored me for the walk (there are more pix here). The event raised over £34,000 and fundraising efforts continue, so if you know of anyone who is feeling charitable, please encourage them to donate.
Recent Comments