After walking over 70 miles, through two cities (including Ely) and more than 25 towns and villages, the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire completed her charity walk from Coast to Cambridge.
The challenge has raised just over £6,000 to be shared equally between Macmillan Cancer Support and the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire Awards Scheme.
Along the six day journey the High Sheriff, Linda Fairbrother, was met by many local youth groups, businesses and Macmillan volunteers who organised events to welcome her along the route. She also visited local business including Luminus Housing and even visited Littleport Primary School where she talked to pupils about her role as High Sheriff.
The walk wasn’t without its tribulations; only six miles into the challenge the sole of one of Linda’s walking boots came loose and almost fell off. “I couldn’t believe it!” commented the High Sheriff. “After I had made a point of ensuring other walkers had suitable walking gear, here I was with boots that were falling apart on the first day!” Luckily her fellow walkers were able to walk on and source some tape to strap them up and allow her to continue the day’s walk.
Linda arrived in Market Square to finish the walk on 17 July greeted by the Mayor of Cambridge, Macmillan volunteers and other well wishers. Like the other ‘pit stops’ along the route there was no shortage of cake; Linda was presented with a magnificent cake adorned with a plaque of the High Sheriff’s crest, courtesy of Cambridge’s finest cafe Fltzbillies.
In addition to raising money for good causes, Linda undertook the challenge both to see new parts of the County and to meet local people.
She said: “It’s been fantastic to experience parts of Cambridgeshire I have never visited before. Seeing a place on foot gives you such a different perspective when compared to simply passing through in the car. The wildlife we have seen along the way has been quite something; we were even lucky to spot a baby seal with its mother in Earith. In addition I’ve had the pleasure to meet some wonderful people; youngsters who have been recipients of High Sheriff Awards in the past, Macmillan supporters, and even ramblers who simply wanted to come along for the walk. I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who has made the event possible”.
It’s not too late to donate to the High Sheriff’s Coast to Cambridge Challenge. Visit www.justgiving.com/highsheriff or send cheques made out to High Sheriff Awards, c/o Cambridge Community Foundation, Q1 The Quorum, Cambridge CB5 8RE.
Route Details
11th July River Nene - Wisbech - March
12th July Thorney - Peterborough
14th July Sawtry - Alconbury - Stukeleys - Huntingdon
15th July Houghton Mill– St Ives – Earith
16th July Littleport - Ely - Stretham
17th July Milton - Waterbeach - Cambridge
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