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Walkers brave the cold for the Moonlight Colourthon

5th July 2008

A group of 6 walkers including Anne Davenport (Trustee) & Julie Abbott (Fundraiser) undertook the challenge of The Moonlight Coplourthon – a 13 mile power walk - to raise vital funds for Childcare.

Below is a write up from one of the walkers & Childcare Trustee Ann Davenport.

The panic set in when we reached Chalkwell Park and saw large groups of what looked like "professional walkers".

The warm up exercises left us even more concerned and sorry that we hadn't done more to prepare for this 13 mile hike and at this point I was a bit worried about my fellow walker, Bernie; her long knitted cardigan may not respond well to rain.

I enjoyed the first few miles as we walked, talked and enjoyed each other's company on this bright and lovely evening. The view from the cliffs along the seafront was spectacular.

We were so pleased with ourselves that we had allowed Julie to talk us into taking part in this very worthwhile fundraising event.

This was a well organised event and we were particularly impressed by the constant attention of a rather attractive Steward on a bike who seemed to have taken quite a shine to us and who was very amusing with his little anecdotes and regular encouragements.

It took another two miles before we realised we had fallen into last place and he was reporting our position on his walkie talkie back to base!!

The spirit of competitiveness set in and our pace and attitude improved considerably.

Now we are serious - speed walking along the sea front with smug looks as we passed those other walkers who had stopped off for Burger, Chips and fizzy drinks, not for these ladies with our new healthy eating and exercise regime!

Those friendly Stewards on every corner and every intersection seemed to become more grumpy and bossy as the night grew colder.

By seven miles we were seriously in need of a comfort stop but so far had not managed to escape the stewards who gave regular instructions to loo stops and handed out generous amounts of bottled tap water not allowing us to break away.

We spotted our opportunity when a Steward was facing the wrong way and were just about through the door of a Pub, having ordered a round of drinks when we heard the commands of the said Steward behind us – she had actually followed us into the Pub!!

We were not amused, but the Landlady and customers were!

Anyway three strong minded women (after all we had coped with 8 teenagers between us) stood our ground and sent her on her way and just to be bloody minded ordered another round of drinks and joined in a game of pool.

We were however, a bit shocked at how dark and how much colder it was when we emerged - it was time for those rather attractive waterproof cagoule. Bernie kept praying it wouldn't rain.

Now we had some serious ground to cover so no more talking, just fast walking and concentration.

It was about the nine mile point that I started moaning about back ache, knee ache and basically every other ache. Thanks at this point to Julie for her words of encouragement.

I must admit the last couple of miles were hard going. It was very late and we were tired, a bit sore and ready for our beds.

We finally crossed the finish line and received our medals to the sounds to Tina Turner singing "Simply the Best" at 12.30pm.

Fatigue now seems to have disappeared to be replaced with self satisfaction and lots of back slapping. And thank the Lord, the Kebab shop was still open!

Photos: Walkers pose before the race and then at the 13 mile marker

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