News

Fresh spring air and a sturdy pair of walking shoes are helping a retired Tiverton primary school teacher to take on a special charity walking challenge this month.

Liz Guppy from East Worlington is marching through March in a bid to raise as much money as she can for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

Liz, 70, has challenged herself to walk 100 miles – a minimum of four miles every day for 25 consecutive days – on local paths and countryside lanes around her home. 

It is particularly challenging for Liz as 10 years ago, she was diagnosed with chronic pain condition fibromyalgia, which means that some days are more exhausting than others.

She said: “I like to think I am recovering from this and by setting myself this challenge it will not only raise money for a charity which is dear to my heart, but it will also encourage me to keep positive and hopeful that I can recover again.”

Liz started her challenge on March 1 and is doing different walks every day, no more than a couple of miles from her home. She has already raised nearly £2,000 and she said she hopes to raise as much as she can by the time she completes her 100-mile challenge on March 25.

“I’m finding it quite tiring as the walks are often challenging – there are some proper Devon ups and downs! Some days are more difficult than others due to my condition, but I’ve just got to go with what my body tells me,” she said.

I never tire of the fantastic countryside and so far the weather has been kind.

Liz is a former member of the CHSW Tiverton Friend’s Group and regularly organised for children she taught to visit the charity’s Little Bridge House hospice during open days.

“I used to be an active member of the group but had to come off the committee around 20 years ago due to various family and health reasons. But I’ve seen first-hand what amazing work is being done at Little Bridge House to support children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

“It is a beautiful place and 20-ish years later, I still want to support this amazing charity. Right now, with all the social restrictions, it’s even more difficult for fundraising to take place in order to continue this vital work so I decided to do what I could and get walking!

I had wanted to set myself a challenge for my 70th year and this is certainly something that’s helping to bring me out of the lockdown doldrums.

“I’m so grateful to everyone for their support so far, it’s been such an encouragement.”

CHSW community fundraiser Laura Robertson said: “Well done to Liz for taking on such a brilliant challenge; it’s fantastic to see her celebrate her 70th year by doing something so incredible in what is also the 30th year for CHSW.

“Every mile walked and every pound raised will make a difference and help ensure that we can continue to be there for local children and families.”

You can sponsor Liz by visiting her JustGiving page.