500 miles for Mandy

By Stuart GILCHRIST

I am fundraising for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

My beautiful wife Mandy was taken from her children, myself, her family and friends far too early in life. She was diagnosed with terminal Pancreatic Cancer after overcoming several years of other medical conditions. Seven months from the day of diagnosis the shining beacon of our lives was gone. She had so much to live for and was starting to really enjoy life again.

I feel more could and should be done to support the NHS in early diagnosis of this and many other terminal illnesses. Finance is crucial in improving equipment and qualified staff both in research and diagnosis. Access to scanning equipment likewise should be easier as this can be the difference between treatable and terminal conditions. Mandy's story is just one in many thousands of other cases ending in heartbreak and emotional pain for tens of thousands of families and friends.

I am preparing to complete a solo walk in excess of 500 miles from my childhood home Inverness to Mandy's place of rest in Maidstone, Kent. I will be starting on Monday 14th September 2020, our wedding anniversary. I will be laying flowers at Mandy's resting place on Saturday 26th September 2020. Mandy's birthday. Any funds raised will be worth the effort and  I know gratefully accepted by Pancreatic Cancer UK.
 

My donations could fund...

112 hours with a nurse on our Support Line

or

50 hours of early diagnosis research

My Achievements

I've added a profile picture

Reached 100% of goal

Reached 50% of goal

Shared page

Self donated

My Updates

Day 7 Doldrums

Not good today sorry to say. Left leg beggining to swell up. Aches a few miles in to walk. Going to give it another day at least as so close to border. Feel fine otherwise but each day leg feels worse at end. Aches in night too so not getting true rest. I tip my hat to those that do these things regularly and complete what they started. Never say never though. A few paracetamol may work wonders. Sorry if this news lets you down. I myself feel I will let all down if I dont complete the challenge.

Day 5

Had great day today. Thirty plus miles done. Just soth of Crossgates about 6 miles from Forth Road Bridge. Going to meet Les at Petrol Station in Queensferry. Then by pass Edinburgh City and set up for hour or two at Dreghorn area to promote the event. Then pick up south east of Edinburgh back on to south route.
THANK YOU BY THE WAY. £2000 plus raised so far. I will see about upping the target tomorrow. Thank you also to the wellwishers I have met enroute. You keep me going with your encouragement.

Day 3 and 4

Didnt post yesterday but had really good day. Dalwhinnie to Pitlochry. Had army friend walk with me for several miles. Well. Force marched me really😂
Really was a great boost though.
So off to Perth today. Support vehicle on its way. Doing ok and going to keep on. Englandshireville in a few days.

End of day 2.

Good and baf day today. Completed the 25mile to Dalwhinnie with lighter pack. Will admit to it being tough. Last section of A9 realised had to go BACK on myself in excess of 4 mile. So. Hold my hand up to being offered lift for about 3 of them and caving. It was the mental factor of thinking it was just off A9 and I admit bad checking of route. Will sort that out for tomorrow. Happy to see donations going up. Thank you to all.

Day Two

Change to running order. Big pack too much to even think of getting back alive let alone on time. Now stripped down to more managable long walk pack. Accommodation at end of day till Les gets here. Feeling good and raring to go again today. Dalwhinnie next stop. Keep pushing it to friends etc. Donations level is really looking good. Thank you all so very much.

First day done.

That is the first day done. Thirty two miles from Bogbain (Inverness) to Avaimore Premier Inn. Little bit of help from sister taking my pack after 26 ish miles onward to Inn. Still walked last 7+miles to it. Quite happy with today and thank you all so much for your donations. Big or small. They ALL matter.
More tomorrow X

Two days to go

Well it is nearly here. Flying to Inverness tomorrow. Not good with flying and heights. Which leads me to consider doing a bunjee jump at Killecrankie if a certain target is reached. Not the sort of thing I would even consider doing. For a good cause though it has to be worth it. So. To reach my new target would be great. For me to take on an activity that makes me go cold thinking about it though. It has to be £4000. Video and or photographic evidence will be given.
Best wishes and regards to all.
Remember what this is about. Thank you.

Not long now.

Well it getting closer. Prepping done as best I can. Bound to have forgotten something. Just deal with that when it happens. Keen to get started now. Have raised my target as original one passed already. Thank you very much for all donations. Seeing that target reached so early has given me a tremendous boost. Will be messagibg on here and facebook my progress as I go.
Very best wishes to all.

Trial walk

I completed a trial walk of 4.5 miles today. From my house to Teston Cricket Club for practice. The google map had it at 1hr 30 mins walking. I did it in 1hr 15 reasonably comfortably, with weighted back pack. Not full weight I admit but it was just to guage what pace I should be looking at. One or two more before I start and do adjustments to pack etc. Feeling confident and looking forward to the challenge.

Thank you

Thank you to all who have donated already. I did not want to set the target too high. It has been reached and I have not even started the walk. Fantastic. Thank you.
I feel maybe I should raise the money to raise bar a bit higher now. I would love to get to £2.000 if possible.  So please keep spreadingbtge word.

Thank you

I will try and send thanks for all donations. If I miss any out please forgive me. Do know though that every donation is gratefully accepted and I thank every one now for any kindness given. I am going to give the challenge my best effort. I may not make my set deadline. I am determined to complete the distance though. I am sure Mandy will let me know if she is upset about me missing her birthday. If that happens 🤔

Thank you to my Sponsors

£20.80

Vivienne Fraser

You did fantastic Stuart very proud of you 🌟👏🏻👏🏻 Xxx

£5

Pauline Callaghan

£20.80

Anonymous

I’m so sorry to hear about your sad loss but what an excellent thing you are doing in her memory. My Dad is currently battling pancreatic cancer so I make this donation in Mandy and my Dads name. Wishing you all the best on this journey, and your future x

£2.08

Anonymous

£10

Stuart Burnham

Well done Gilly

£5.20

Susan Holcombe

£20.80

Tony Pearson

£10.40

Thomson

£26

Keith Carpenter

Hope my directions were ok and you didn’t get lost! Respect for what you are doing Keith

£15.60

Heather Ward

Hi Stuart, I met you in Aviemore, you asked where the Premier Inn was. Your generous personality touched me and now I know why you’ve been doing this I feel humbled but glad I exchanged a few words with you. Be proud. X

£52

Peter And Jenny Gilchrist

Well done, excellent effort. We are sure Mandy would gave been proud. Peter and Jenny

£20.80

Mark Sulley

Very well done stuart

£32

Patrick Locke

Great work Gilly, proud to know you me old son ! REgards.

£26

Nigel Tyler

Come on Stuart, another 25 of those when your back in Kent

£5.20

Chris Cutler

What a fantastic idea to do this, hope you meet lots of great people on the way!

£15.60

Anita Pemberton-hall

£15.60

Beth Spelman

Very good luck Stuart. I look forward to following your blog. Such a brave and noble thing to do. Please accept my condolences too on the loss of your beautiful wife.

£5.20

Joseph Edwards

Keep going Stuart!

£20.80

Jan & Mo

£104

Tony Mcnichol

Hi Stuart, pleasure meeting you this morning.. keep up the good work and good luck on completing your amazing challenge

£15.60

Philippa Calver-hilton

Completely understand

£10.40

Naoimh Edmans

Happy walking! Youre doing an amazing job x

£20

Hazel Robin

Well done Stuart x

£20

Samantha Workman

Good luck Stuart

£10.40

Debbie Jarman

What a challenge, take care and wishing you the best of luck x

£20

Lesley & Reg

Met you at the Scottish Border yesterday Stuart. Great cause and very best of luck with the rest of the journey.

£20

Edward Jinks

Keep up the good work, Stuart. You've done incredibly well to reach England so now it's downhill all the way to Maidstone!

£15.60

Gail Cook

Good luck on your epic walk for a great cause. Lovely to bump into you on the Scottish border stop.

£20.80

Margaret Gordon

Donation from Aunty Margaret and Uncle Donnie. Well done Stuart

£20

Angela Collis

Such a good cause. Well done Stuart.

£52

Simon Warren

£33.28

Annabel Matthews

Jeff told me about your walk and why you are doing it All the very best and glad to hear you are getting some help with carrying the pack!

£26

David Gill

Very nice talking to you this morning as you completed the Forth Road Bridge! Stay safe!

£15.60

Paula Bovingdon

Good Luck, met you on the Tonbridge Road and you made me jump! Enjoy your walk

£20.80

Mandy Springett

Keep going your doing a great job. Good luck.xx

£20

Sonny Matthews

Good Luck from Sonny ,Lisa, Liam & Owen

£20.80

Heather Mcnamee

Well done so far Stuart! Good luck for the rest of your journey 👊

£500

Steadfast

500 miles... I've swum further underwater... Keep your pecker up and your feet dry, see you back in Blighty...

£20.80

Jenny And Dave Whitehouse

good luck with the rest of your journey, what a achievement and for such a worthwhile charity. Dave, Jen and the 3 amigos. Pitlochry YH

£20.80

Charlie & Karena

Great work mate keep going!! At least your not under fire on this tab!! Look after your feet and they will carry you home!!

£26

Catherine Vincent

Thank you!

£15.60

Elaine Jones

You fantastic man. All the very best to you and yours.

£5.20

Mandy Jamieson

£20.80

Eve Allen

It's amazing what you are achieving, take it all in and keep a diary. Love from the Allen's xx

£20.80

Joanne Brunger

Amazing what you’re doing Stuart. Keep up the good work! xx

£52

Rae And Colin Gilchrist

Amazing Achievement Already Stuart !! Good luck with the rest of the miles. Stay safe 😘 Xx

£20.80

Elise Shrosbree

Good luck stay strong you can do this x

£15

Tayla Harris

Lovely thing to do in memory of Mandy! Well done Stuart - amazing! X

£15.60

Helen Stewart

Good luck Stuart.

£20.80

Simon Davey

An amazing effort for an amazing cause. Keep strong Stuart.

£10.40

Sian Hayton

👏

£10.40

Bob Angel

I don’t know many of Teston CC yet due to our own issues over the last 2 years but I think your efforts are commendable and wish you luck.

£52

Dawn Kitching

Good luck.

£5

Janine Graham

Best of luck on your journey Stuart. Myself & Craig (sat beside you for dinner at the premier Inn) both wish you all the best. Your story touched us both, we have both lost someone to cancerl

£10.40

Anonymous

Well done mate

£20

David Silk

You have all the Merv Hughes qualities can you do the Pub/Cricket Speaker ! I told you I would do it and I did !! Best of luck and will power from Ryan and I ! Stay strong and focused !!

£10.40

Gisella Milligan

Good luck Stuart

£15.60

Martin Hubbard

All the best big man. Great cause and well done!

£10.40

Matt Fairway

Good luck Stu, remember to drink some Irn-Bru for that extra boost!🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

£10

Eleasa Nutley

All the best Stuart, I know you will do this 😊

£33.28

Vicki And Rachael

Good luck mate wishing you all the best love Vicki and Rachael xx

£15.60

Hayley Naylor

Mandy will be with you every step of the way, your amazing!!! Safe journey ❤️ 💪🏼 Lots of love Hayley, Jack & Jesse xx

£10.40

Carole Emmerton

£33.28

Jerry Snaith

Monumental journey Stuart, we wish you all the best, Jerry, Jo and Abbie

£20.80

Lyn Watts ? Xx

🤩 Good luck Stuart this is such an amazing thing your doing all the very best xx

£15.60

Wendy Turbine

All the best Stuart , keep safe and well ☺️

£10.40

Demi Hall

Good luck! X

£20.80

Jason, Rachael, Olivia & Ayla

Good luck Stuart!

£5.20

Amy-louise Todd

Well done you amazingly mad man lol. Stay safe. Good luck to you xxx

£10.40

Natalie Defer

Your amazing Stuart , I’m sure Mandy is watching over you and is so proud xx

£10

Vicky Bax

good luck I'm sure your smash it!!! x

£62.40

Anna-marie Robinson

Stay safe dad, mum is with you every step of the way. Get home safe Charlie says Grandad G owes him lots of cuddles when he's back. There will be a huge roast waiting for you when your back you can climb it or eat it whatever you fancy. Love you old man The Robinson's

£50

Rachel Pearson

On behalf of Steve Coley & family. He spoke about your charity walk fondly and wanted to donate. Well done x

£31.20

Laura Sinclair Martin

Good luck from Zandra & Joyce Laura & Barry’s neighbours)

£52

Bg & Lynn

Great cause - be lucky 🍀 and stay safe ❤️

£10.40

Catherine Thomas

Good Luck

£5.20

Kay

Good luck Stuart, hope you manage to complete it!

£50

Peter Erlam

It's all downhill from Scotland. Easy peasy. Don't forget to turn left off the M25. Mate, you'll smash it!

£20.80

Claire Springett

Good luck Dad, keep safe xx

£15.60

Sandra Balciuniene

Good luck Stuart with your journey, that's very kind thing to do for others . Great job that people like you do things like this.

£15.60

Anonymous

£3.12

Kayleigh Smith

Go Stuart!! Amazing man x

£2.08

Anonymous

£15.60

Wendy Natale

Great effort Stuart. It’s a vicious disease.

£20.80

Nick Clarkson

Good luck Stuart, great cause.

£20

Suzy Jeary

Stuart, you have an amazing knack of touching the lives of all those who have the pleasure of meeting you. You will smash this! With our love, Suzy, Kris, Seb and Willow (from Teston Cricket Club) ♥️

£30.16

The Demarne Family

It was a great to meet you today, good luck with the walk.

£15

Tamara & Sid

Good luck Stu! You will smash it =D x

£10.40

Bev

£10.40

Gibbons

Good luck mucker

£10.40

David ( Chunky) Blair

Good luck

£10.40

Anil Kumar

£52

John Mcintyre

With you all the way Gilly

£52

Jeff And Davy

Good luck stu, will follow along the route and might even walk some with you

£5.20

Carole-anne Lennon

£20.80

Hugh Lennon

£30.16

Robert Edmonds

Good luck Stuart

£10

Gabriella Lunghi

Please accept this donation from Jan ,Angel's mum ... Jan says all the best, she will be thinking of you. Hope to see you soon. xxx

£26

Stephanie Wilson

GOOD LUCK Stuart. She will be watching you all the way. Great way to raise money for an amzing cause.

£10

Gabriella Lunghi

All the best Stuart for your amazing walk. Gabriella x

£15.60

G Smart

Good luck Stuart

£15.60

Peter Webley

£15.60

Neil Spud Brown

Was sorry to hear of your loss when Mandy was taken from you. This is a great cause and a great challenge. Good luck to you Stu.. 👍

£10.40

Karen Brooker

Good luck Stuart such an amazing cause in the name of an amazing woman xxx

£30

Colin Bentwood

Good luck mate.

£20

Angela Low

Good luck hope the weather is kind to you

£20.80

Nicholas Egan

Good luck Stuart and Stay safe

£52

Steve (ricco)

Good luck Stu

£31.20

Paul Mcallister

Great cause Stu. Best of luck. It’s a tough challenge you are taking on but get your head down, your chins up and never forget why you are doing it mate. Paul

£15.60

Phil Edmonds

Incredible Stu, best of luck with it mate. Just like your introduction to cricket and left hand batting you’ll smash it 😉 🏏

£20.80

David Brown

Great cause mate hope you have the weather so you can enjoy that beautiful scenery see you in October Bucko

£20.80

Lucy

Good luck Daddy G,

£10.40

Gibbons

Good luck Stu , nut case , but fair and lay to you

£15.60

Roger Smith

Good luck Gilly

£31.20

Anonymous

Lovely way to remember Mandy. Best of luck Stuart. See you in Inverness! Xx

£52

Stuart Gilchrist