Steve Westall walks 100km Thames Pathway Challenge

I am a 64 year old Surbiton based father of an autistic son and have supported Express CIC over many years. Sitting in a local cafe in Berrylands a few years ago I saw people walking past who had undertaken the challenge of walking 100km from Richmond to Brighton. A thought crossed my mind that it was a walk I'd quite like to do as I had lost over 4.5 stone with Slimming World and had discovered a love of walking. Much to the surprise of my sceptical family and friends just before Christmas 2017 I announced that I had signed up to the challenge. However on a very hot Sunday afternoon in May 2018 I surprised them all (and most of all myself) when I crossed the finish line at Brighton Racecourse vowing 'never again!' During the run up to the challenge and afterwards I was asked who I was 'doing it for'. The answer was myself....I wanted to challenge myself and did not want to let anyone down by not being able to compete it. Although I vowed never again...I have now decided to undertake the 100km Thames Pathway Challenge on 8th/9th September and hope that the Thames Path is flatter than the South Downs (which have more ups than downs). This time I have decided that if anyone wishes to sponsor me then I would like Express CIC ta local charity supporting autisitc young people and their families to benefit.