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Tour de Wight for Angie

By Steven Russell

Donate to Steven and help them hit their goal of £300!

My Activity Tracking

80
mi

My target 80 mi

We are fundraising for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

Last month our beloved Angie lost her battle with pancreatic cancer, having suffered with the disease since being diagnosed in January 2020. She was such an inspiration in all she did and fought it with all she could muster, brave to the end.

She and her husband Nigel were supported greatly by Pancreatic Cancer UK, providing them with answers to questions and offering immense support, particularly with dietary needs.

Angie loved to walk and in fact we did some wonderful long walks together. We are therefore aiming to walk around the Isle of Wight, about 70 miles in 6 days, in her memory and to raise money so that others will be helped.

Pancreatic cancer is extremely tough to diagnose, tough to treat and also tough to research. Please support us and help make a difference to the work of Pancreatic Cancer UK. We need more people to know about this dreadful disease, know about the symptoms and know to how to get checked.

Please give anything you can, charities are having a really hard time at the moment so any money raised will help.

Thank you

Janice and Steve Russell

Please support my fundraising!

Raised

£950 + £146 GiftAid

My Goal

£300

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My donations could fund...

36 hours with a nurse on our Support Line

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16 hours of early diagnosis research

My Achievements

Reached 100% of goal

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My Updates

Ryde to Cowes - Day 6 Tour de Wight for Angie

 Early start ✔
 Walk into Sandown ✔
 Bus to Ryde ✔
 Walk out of Ryde ✔
 Binstead ✔
 Quarr Abbey ✔
 Fishbourne ✔
 Wootton ✔
 Whippingham ✔
 Osborne House ✔
 East Cowes ✔
 Floating Bridge ✔
 M&S Foodhall ✔
 80 miles 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️
 Tour de Wight ✔
 Sore feet, sore legs, happy hearts ✔
 We love you, we miss you Angie ❤
 Thank you very much to all our sponsors 👌👍
 Anyone else inspired to give?
 #TeamAngie
 #PancreaticCancerUK

Sandown to Ryde - Day 5 Tour de Wight for Angie

Our first day out of the Adgestone campsite meant walking 1.5 miles into Sandown before restarting the Tour. However we were up and walking by 7.30am to give us a good start before the forecast heat of the day.

By 8am we were back on the Coastal Path heading up to Culver Down at a good pace. We knew this was our last testing ascent of the walk, a climb to just over 100m. Within three quarters of an hour we had reached a significant milestone. We could now see the mainland again and of course Ryde - today's goal - in the distance. What a fillip!

Beyond the Down the path descends to reach the most easterly part of the Isle. With the tide out, we had our first chance to walk on a beach! A pleasure which many people were already enjoying. Rounding the headland on the sand, Portsmouth and the already bustling Solent came back into view.

At 7 miles, Bembridge Harbour provided us with the chance to recharge our batteries with a well deserved coffee, cake & sandwich at The Best Dressed Crab floating restaurant. Suitably refreshed we stepped on it, conscious of the growing heat. Fortunately for us, after the harbour causeway, the path heads inland and into some refreshing woodland for a short while.

Emerging onto the esplanade at Seaview, we saw two things significant to Angie: the No Man's Land fort (where she had stayed with Nigel) and a Brittany Ferries ferry coming into Portsmouth.

Also at Seaview was the Old Fort pub, our first real chance to have a beer on our walk... delicious and refreshing. Even more welcome as we also got out of the sun for a while. It was here that Janice calculated we only had just over 50 minutes of walking to get into Ryde itself... beer and good news, what a great combination.

We ate our late lunch at the former Puckpool Mortar Battery in one of the gun implacements. An unusual choice but it meant we could get out of the fierce sun.

During the final stretch into Ryde we were entertained by hovercraft busying to and fro from the Harbour and by the arrival of an enormous Virgin cruise ship which dwarfed everything else. I'm just glad I wasn't driving it after my two pints...

We arrived in Ryde at 3:30pm. A long day, latterly in sapping heat, but we were pleased to have clocked another 12 miles on our Tour.

Our journey back to Sandown by bus was a hot one, made more uncomfortable by the wearing of face masks. However the top deck front row seats were a real bonus. After dipping our toes in the sea to cool down, a fish and chip supper on the promenade completed another memorable day of walking this beautiful isle.

Ventnor to Sandown - Day 4 Tour de Wight for Angie

Day 4, our changeover day, saw us vacate Thorncross Farm as we needed to be in the east of the Isle for the last few days. Our plan was to drive to Ventnor and walk to Sandown from there. We succeeded in parking the motorhomes together in a coach bay and surprisingly were walking by 8:30am.

The first mile out of Ventnor was literally a breeze as we walked along the flat esplanade into a cool, gentle easterly wind, albeit with strong early morning sunshine. Upon entering Bonchurch, we had to leave the esplanade to traverse The Landslip towards Luccombe Village through a lush woodland. This meant "ups" on legs and knees that were more than a little sore. Whilst this was an effort, we were lucky that the cool breeze penetrated the trees and bathed us as we walked. What a luscious treat!

Emerging from the woods just beyond Luccombe, we had first sight of Sandown Bay with the Culver Cliff (tomorrow's challenge) in the distance. The sunshine glinting off the bay reminded us of the South of France.

Our descent into Old Shanklin Village led us to the Appley Steps, the normal access to the southerly end of the beach. However they were closed due to subsidence, meaning another detour off the Coastal path! To assuage the disappointment, coffee and scones were taken at the Grand View Tea Gardens. It was, after all, 10:30am and the cafe was there... surely that's allowed?

After Shanklin Chine, we dropped down near the Chine Inn pub. The beach was already busy with many families enjoying the warm sunshine. For us, our endpoint was in sight and we went on, strolling rather than with purpose, confident we would be in Sandown within the hour. Sure enough, by noon, we were there and waiting for our return journey to Ventnor.

Our bus dropped us just past 1 o'clock. 8 miles of walking, back with the vans and time to move onto Adgestone, our base for the second part of the week. A nice site with lots of facilities, but mainly useful because it gives us access to the east of the Isle.

Not far now, we are more than three quarters of the way round. Come on Team Angie... how she would have loved to do this!

Thorncross Farm to Ventnor - Day 3 Tour de Wight for Angie

Our walking day started early. It was great to be able to walk away from the campsite at 7:30 am, straight onto the Coastal path without the need for a bus. Our target was Niton about 8 miles away. It was a beautiful, sunny morning but crucially, given the hour, the air was cool and a gentle breeze at our backs helped push us on.

The going was good along the cliff edge. The miles passed quickly as the promise of a short day, gave us added spring in our step. The views forward to St Catherine's Point and backward to the now visible Needles were amazing; this really is a stunning coast. At about mile 4 we were also lucky enough to witness peregrine falcons feeding their young on a clifftop.

Niton Down, at 7 miles, gave us our first view of the St Catherine's lighthouse from above and within minutes the view back to the South West coast had gone as we "turned the corner" onto the South East coast. We descended into Niton in good time for our bus back to the campsite.

However, intoxicated by our early pace, I suggested we pressed on to Ventnor. Why not? As long as we were there before noon all would be well. The decision was made and off we went, confident of our new goal.

Maintaining a good pace into St Lawrence, we then rapidly succumbed to the growing heat. The descent onto The Undercliff also took its toll. With Ventnor in sight we realised we would miss our goal of the return bus - just... However we had another 14 miles in the bag. Great work Team Angie!

The return from Ventnor by taxi was a wild ride... but at least we were back at the campsite by 1:30pm. Our planned half-day was still on. Time to rest our weary legs and get ready for our site move tomorrow. Sandown here we come.

Yarmouth to Thorncross Farm - Day 2 Tour de Wight for Angie

On the second day, we walked from Yarmouth on the North West coast to the coastal path near our site at Thorncross Farm on the South West coast.

To get to Yarmouth we took the same early bus from Limerstone (12) but this time got off at Carisbrook High Street and then took the bus to Yarmouth from there (7). We arrived at 8:50am. However we decided to delay our walk in order to pick up shopping.

We eventually left Yarmouth harbour at 9:30am, in overcast conditions on road and esplanade. Passing inland of Forts Victoria and Albert, through a wood, we emerged into bright sunshine opposite Hurst Castle and then got our first view of The Needles. At miles 3 & 4 we came upon Colwell Bay and Totland Bay respectively and, being on the edge of the sea for a while, enjoyed lapping waves and views over to Bournemouth and Swanage in much warmer conditions.

Heading inland again, and up, we discovered the impressive heathland of Headon Warren before eventually descending into the maelstrom of the crowds heading into Needles Park. The road up to the Old Battery afforded great views back to where we had come from and, of course, Alum Bay. In the end, our visit turned into a well earned lunch break with the amazing backdrop of The Needles behind.

Leaving The Needles, we turned towards the East for the first time and headed across The West High Down towards the Tennyson Memorial. We had fabulous views of both the North and South coast and here the Coast path turns into a multi-lane superhighway! Great walking with a memorial goal in sight. Beyond the memorial, the descent into Freshwater Bay led us to the start of the most difficult part of the day. We were 10 miles in, tired from day 1, it was hot and the South coast stretched out with St Catherine's Point in the distance taunting us.

Every descent, every ascent, every diversion (due to cliff collapses), sapped our aching muscles and ate at our resolve. We longed to see the familiar landscape near to our campsite but for mile upon mile, we were thwarted. A beautiful coast was turning into our nemesis. Finally, hope, we spotted the Brighstone television mast, based close to Thorncross but how far was it even though we could now see it?

Far enough as it happens. After 8.5 hours, we reached our goal, the trig point at Barnes High just half a mile from our home base. What a triumph! Another 18 miles under our belts but, with tired feet and legs, this was a brilliant effort.

Roll on day 3. Our plan is to complete a much shorter walking distance, mainly due to problems with buses. But it will also help us to heal tired limbs and to take stock as we move to a new campsite for the second part of the week.

Cowes to Yarmouth - Day 1 Tour de Wight for Angie

For the first 4 days we are based at Thorncross Farm, a site near Limerstone on the South West of the island. We are using public transport to get us to starts and from finishes of each leg.

For leg 1, our longest one, our schedule called for an early start with buses from Limerstone to Newport (12) and from Newport to Cowes (1). Arriving at Carvel Lane in Cowes at 8:45 am, we immediately set off in warm but overcast conditions.

These first steps were a delight with road & esplanade under foot. However at around 2.5 miles we headed onto squelch; the mud & puddles on the paths were a real struggle. The stickiness continued for at least another 2 difficult miles. At one point, I swear I heard Angie laughing. She would have found our predicament hilarious as we attempted to pass yet another piece of quagmire. Nevertheless we fought on knowing that we had a return bus to catch from Yarmouth.

The miles from 6 onwards enabled us to up the pace with road to walk on and a beer at the New Inn in Shalfleet a lovely possibility. Sadly when lunch arrived, the beer treat was scuppered by a Covid closure but at least we had more calories on board to continue.

Beyond Shalfleet more mud and difficulty as we negotiated the section around Newtown River. The weather perked up with warm sunshine, as we began to enjoy the amazing mix of pasture, marsh and woodland it offers. At Bouldnor the weather turned, it started teeming down, and we had yet more mud to deal with.

Nevertheless we pressed on with our return bus uppermost in our minds. Fortunately for the last part we had road walking again and, despite painful and wet feet, we cruised into Yarmouth at around 4 pm. Meaning a full 15 minutes to spare. Top work.

For the return, we took the Island Coaster service. A blisteringly fast journey ensued, which saw us flying down the Military Road through lashing rain and we were eventually ejected just a quarter of a mile from our site. What a day!

How far you say? My device said 20.02 miles, Janice's said 19.35 miles, Richard's said something different... suffice to say we are feeling it tonight!

Thank you to my Sponsors

£10

Jackie King

Superb achievement Janice and Steve. Well done. Jackie and Geoff

£10

Emma Chandler

Well done Steve and Janice 👏🏽

£15.60

Sarah Davies

Well done Steve and Janice completing your walk in memory of Angie. Love Sarah, Lee and Archie. xx

£30

Aunty Barbara

Well done everyone.

£20.80

Nessie

Well done Janice and Steve! Lots of love Nessie xx

£15.60

Sharon Annetts

Good luck

£31.20

Lewis And Jodie

Thank you for doing this for such a great cause, mom would be so proud!

£10.40

Catherine Evans

A great way to honour the memory of Angie and raise much needed funds. Well done all xx

£20.80

Adam Donovan

Great effort both, hope you enjoyed it!

£10.40

Sarah Bartishel

£31.20

Sam Russell

£31.20

Chris Radcliffe

Well done

£62.40

Gary Ambrose

God bless Angie keep walking you two x

£29

Kathy Lewis

£10.40

Dan & Rosa

Go well S&J

£10

Emily Parish

Keep going team! Love Emily x

£15.60

Margaux Chevalier

£15.60

Judith

£20.80

Paul

Go Steven & team!

£5

Danielle Webb

Sending you all so much love, thinking of you on your walk! xxx

£20.80

Anne And Patrick X.

Enjoy the stroll!

£20.80

Gillian And Mark Whiteway

You can do it! Well done xxx

£20.80

Camilla Wood

Good luck to you both! What a wonderful thing to do xx

£20.80

Beth And Fran

A wonderful tribute to a truly wonderful woman 💛 love you both so much x

£10.40

Karen Caramiello

Have a great walk in Angie’s honour. X

£30.16

Janet Masefield

A brave and wonderful lady who battled to the end

£20.80

Richard N Ruth Noon

£15.60

Eva Pulte-mackey

£10

Helen George

Horrible disease that takes too many loved ones xx

£20.80

Tracy Auburn

Thinking of you all at this very sad time ; sending love and strength to all the family x

£20.80

Rachel Noon

❤️❤️❤️ From Rach and Harry x

£20.80

Lucy Russell

£15

Christopher & Kate

£31.20

Jacqueline Wilkinson

£15

Cara Fraser

£10

Mikey Fraser

£20

Katy Doherty

We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept this donation from the Wilmonts and Dohertys with much love.

£20.80

Brighton Cornses

Best of luck to you, what a fantastic tribute to a fantastic woman 💚💜💚

£20.80

Sarah Ambrose

£30.16

Debbie Radcliffe

With love

£26

Denise And Paul Fraser

Good luck to you both 😘😘 for Angela our dear sister in law who fought with determination, strength and inspiration everyday and always with her soul mate Nigel our brother by her side xxxxx

£30

Manon Russell

We love you all very much xxx Manon and family

£15.60

Agnès Russell

Angela is in our heart for ever ❤️

£5

Emma Skerman

A lovely tribute x

£30

Susanne, Josh And Joe Xxx

Hope you have a lovely walk in honour of Angie. I know you'll smash it. Love you both very much xxx

£41.60

Steven Russell