"My walk from London 2 Brighton": by younger neighbour Fi

Please note: this post is 90 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

It had never occurred to me to do something physically challenging. But when I witnessed the life-changing work of North London Cares and South London Cares, I felt inspired to take on a challenge to help support such a great cause.

I wanted to do the London 2 Brighton walk because it was not only a physical, but also a mental challenge. I managed to rope in a few friends to take part as well – though they now probably won't speak to me for a while!

Throughout the lead up to the challenge, I received amazing support from North London Cares, making me feel more than willing and ready to take on the journey.

On the day, the 100km walk was not only physically demanding (I have the odd blister and sore leg-muscle to prove it!) but also a test of mental perseverance. But I couldn’t have asked for a better group of fellow walkers. 

They showed me how kind humanity can be. Throughout the walk, they were encouraging and continuously positive. And the older neighbours I met prior to taking part really helped me to keep going through the hard moments where I felt myself lagging in energy. 

And although the path was long (and sometimes rather muddy), and though the dark scared me a little through the night, and though my legs may not forgive me for a while, every single step was worth taking; not just to raise money for such a worthy cause, but also to remind myself that community – being together and spending time with others from all walks of life – is truly what a happy life is all about.