Over the 5th and 6th of August 4 of us will be attempting to walk the entire South Downs Way in under 48 hours. Starting at Winchester Cathedral, we will walk with only short stops for food, to Eastbourne Pier, 160kilometres away. Or 100miles if you prefer.
We are taking part in this challenge to raise money for Aidan’s Activity Fund. Any money raised will allow them to continue to supply the children’s wards at the Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, with activities and craft items to help distract children being treated at the hospital. Aidan’s Activity Fund is a local charity set up in memory of Aidan Outen.
The walking team will consist of:
Abbeygail Peters. Abbey is the youngest, and smallest member of the group, and can often be heard complaining that she has to take 2 steps for every 1 the rest of the team take. Abbey is Aidan’s cousin.
Dean Penwarden. At the other end of the scale, Dean is the eldest member of the team. Dean is Aidan’s godfather.
Martin Outen. Martin is Aidan’s uncle. Martin took part in a 100kilometre walk 2 years ago, and has decided to walk the longer distance as a bit of a challenge.
Alan Outen. Alan is Aidan’s dad. Like Martin, Alan took part in the 100kilometre walk, and has helped organise this new challenge.
The team will be supported by Alan and Jane Dabbs, and Peter Outen. As the support team, they will be driving to check points on the walk, and sorting out food and drinks for the walkers. Without their help, we would not be able to complete this challenge.
The South Downs Way is a 160-kilometre path snaking through the South Downs. On average, the path takes between 5 and 9 days to complete with stop for sleeping on the way. An extreme event takes around 3 days, again with stops for sleep. We will be attempting it in under 48hours without stopping for sleep, because as Alan said, “Sleep is overrated.”
