UPDATE - Issue 22 - Summer 2005
Malcolm walks the Pilgrims Way
Of his long walk from Winchester to Canterbury Malcolm Ridley writes 'The main news is that I made it without any blisters or broken limbs!! Although my legs were aching and my feet were very sore, it was a wonderful feeling finally to see the great Cathedral. I had walked 140 miles in 8 days, averaging 17.5 miles per day.
My son John and I left Winchester bright and early. The first two days, walking with John, were very hot and it was important to end the day with a long soak in the bath to restore aching joints. In fact this became an essential feature of each day of the walk. On Day 2 when we walked 19 miles, I made a quick recovery after my host introduced me to arnica pills, which are very good at relieving stiffness.
Malcolm Ridley and son, John setting out from Winchester
I only had one afternoon on my own when I had to make my weary way past the paper mills and industrial grot of the Medway Valley. I had company the rest of the time; my wife Bridget, her friend Judy, Brian, a fellow cancer sufferer, a school friend Roger and on the last day my three daughters and my brother, Tom. I do not know how I would have coped without my walking companions who were all delightful.
It was an emotional time for me. I had time to reflect on the good fortune I had enjoyed when my prostate cancer was diagnosed in time for a successful operation and the warmth of the people who have helped me when I needed it most. But the lasting memory will be of the people who made this walk possible. My family have been 110% behind me. I have received encouragement from those who walked with me and gave me food and shelter on the way. And I have received an enormous boost from your generosity and all those who have given money to Prostate Research Campaign UK. Donations received and promised have already exceeded £20,000, before the charity has claimed back tax on those donations qualifying for relief. This is a wonderful result and I am very grateful to you and to all those who gave so generously to such an important cause.'