Why I would walk 500 miles (well… 8).

Last Friday night at 11pm, I found myself in a very different situation to the norm. I wasn’t in the pub sipping a refreshing glass of Sauvignon Blanc, nor was I falling asleep on the sofa in front of Have I Got News for You. No, instead I found myself dressed in my pyjamas eagerly donning flashing bunny ears, cracking day-glo necklaces and bracelets, and getting over-excited at the sight of Changing Rooms legend, Anna Ryder Richardson. I wasn’t at a dance night on St. Mary Street, I was at the Ty Hafan Midnight Sleep Walk.

More than four hundred women from Cardiff and the surrounding area came to the Millennium Stadium to embark on an eight mile walk through Cardiff city centre to help raise money for the children’s charity. Having not walked more than a mile in months, I was anxious, but excited to be doing something for such a well deserved charity. I’d racked up just short of £80.00 sponsorship money in a fortnight, and I was determined to give it a go.

The walk was brilliant. I made some new friends; I laughed; I didn’t stumble. I enjoyed the cheers of the Cardiff City football fans who were falling out of the pubs following their more successful 1st leg tie against Reading, and the bemused looks from passersby. The madness of 2am on St. Mary Street kept us going when legs began to tire and blisters started to form at 7.5 miles.

Most of all, I was inspired to do more for charity. Challenges like the Midnight Sleep Walk, the upcoming Race for Life and the Cardiff Magenta Bike Ride, are a great way for people of all ages and abilities to come together and do something fun and energising, whilst raising money for a vital cause.

Losing a few hours sleep was very much worth it, and by doing my little bit, I’ve been able to support the Mums who deserve a well-earned break. Here’s a quick breakdown of where my money will be spent:
•    To keep the hospice warm and cosy it costs £10 for our daily water supply and £25 a day for our gas supply!
•    £50 a day keeps all things electrical powered at the hospice, like the hoists
•    £105 a day keeps the hospice clean and germ free!

As this video of the walk says, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

Oh, and you can still sponsor me, just visit my Just Giving page.

Here’s to the next member of the Equinox team’s challenge!

Lisa