A WOKINGHAM father of three has completed a 528.8km (328.6 mile) walk from Antwerp to Finchampstead in just 17 days for Berkshire charity Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.
Neil Davies, 53, said: “Through our boys’ school and support networks we have met many families who have had someone receive care from Sue Ryder.
“The support they received and their gratitude for the charity’s work made it a natural choice when deciding who I should raise funds for.
“It’s a cause my family and I truly believe in.”
Neil realised he had a window of time to do something meaningful, and started planning his route.
He said: “My wife, Kat, is Belgian, and her parents live near Antwerp, so I thought, why not walk between Antwerp and Finchampstead?
“Initially, I thought I’d start in the UK and end in Belgium, but due to timing, I reversed the route.”
Neil describes his journey as an emotional rollercoaster.
“Each day came with highs and lows,” he said.
“I’d start with a buzz for the first 20 kilometres, but after about five hours, fatigue would set in, and I’d hit a dip.
“By the time I was a few kilometres from finishing, my morale would pick up again.
“Brugge was my favourite place – it was beautiful to take in the sights.
“The countryside in Belgium and the north of France was lovely too, and crossing over to Dover to walk along the cliffs was stunning.”
Neil walked through four countries and stayed in 16 different places, covering a total of 528.8 kilometres, or an average of 31.1 kilometres a day.
He has so far raised more than £3,700.
His journey ended with a surprise welcome-home celebration from friends and neighbours.
He said: “The support from my wife, friends, and family has been wonderful, and I’m so grateful to everyone who backed me.
“The fundraising exceeded my expectations – it’s very satisfying to know we’ve raised money for Sue Ryder.
“It’s a relief, and I’m proud to have supported a charity that makes such a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
Owen Chengun, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder, said: “On behalf of everyone at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, I want to thank Neil for taking on such an immense challenge for Sue Ryder.
“Support from people like Neil means that we can continue to be there when it matters for people who need us the most.”
Sue Ryder provides care and support for people at the end of their lives, and supports others to manage their grief.
To support Neil’s funrasing effort, visit: justgiving.com and search for Neil’s Fundraiser for Sue Ryder.
For more information, visit: sueryder.org/duchessofkent
