Legacy
Legacy
Please note: this post is 102 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only
If there's one word to sum up North London Cares, I'd say it was community.
Through our copious social clubs, Love Your Neighbour friendships and outreach during our Winter Wellbeing project, we aim to bring neighbours of all ages in Kilburn, Kentish Town and beyond together – to form connections, to share conversations and to enjoy laughter.
Of course, another way to form friendships is to walk for 10 - 28 hours with your North London Cares family!
On Saturday 2nd July, 18 North London Cares volunteers and supporters took part in the London 2 Cambridge Challenge to raise vital funds for their older neighbours. Along with sister charity South London Cares, Tash, Tom and the gang walked 50km from Hackney to Braughing – along the River Lea, through urban north London and then on to scenic cornfields – to help make our year round activities possible.
It was an early start, with the 37 strong team gathering at Hackney Marshes for 7:30am. Luckily, the sun was shining, and there was endless free tea and coffee to get us ready for the day ahead. After a Zumba warm-up (so much hip shaking), the team set off on their challenge.
Last year's walking team took on the Thames Path Challenge, and there was some apprehension as to whether this route would be as picturesque. But we needn't have been nervous as we were treated to some beautiful scenery along the way.
The route began by heading northwards along the River Lea. We passed Walthamstow and Tottenham before hitting our first rest stop just outside Lee Park Way. This was just one of the many food pit stops along the walk, where there were endless energy bars, chocolate, nuts, crisps and tea and coffee (again!) to keep us fuelled for the challenge ahead.
We then continued north, leaving urban London behind us to be met by beautiful fields and woodland. This part of the route was made up of undulating, uneven terrain, which at times was quite challenging. There were moments when we wanted to stop. There were sections where we wondered whether we could continue. But conversations about tattoos, favourite films and travelling kept us motivated. And when the going got really tough, we talked about Ethel, Ken, Ted, Laura, Lil – shared stories of our older neighbours, of times shared with our community – and all of a sudden the challenge ahead didn't seem so hard.
After over 10 hours of walking, the finish line was in sight. A glass of prosecco and a well-earned medal greeted us at Braughing, the 50km point in the challenge. But for Joe, Roger and Luke, Braughing was the halfway mark. They continued to walk non-stop through the night, completing the 100km walk from London to Cambridge. It took them 28 hours, saw them battle through blisters and sleep deprivation, and push on when their legs felt like jelly. We are in awe of what you achieved!
Indeed, we are in awe of all of our supporters who took on this incredible challenge to raise money to ensure you – our North London Cares family – can share a film with Lil; can enjoy a cup of tea and a chat with Rosemary; can share stories with Olive. None of these friendships are possible without the generosity of our supporters. By walking 50km or 100km for North London Cares, you've helped to bring your communities of Camden and Islington closer together. And those connections will last longer than any bruises or blisters. So thank you team - you rock!
If this story has inspired you, then why not take on a challenge for North London Cares? We're looking for people to join our brave team taking on the Thames Path Challenge (10th & 11th September) and the Bear Grylls Survival Race (8th & 9th October).
Or, you may want to save the date for next year's annual fundraising walk; the London 2 Brighton Challenge (27th & 28th May 2017).
If you're ready and raring to go, or just want more information, fill out the form below and Emily will be in touch.