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The Grand Canyon: big.

On August 15th last year I suffered a stroke, ironically while walking home from work on my usual mile route home. It left me with only 50% feeling down my whole left side but remarkably that was all.

I resolved to use the experience to change my lifestyle and although I wasn’t particularly unhealthy before, I joined a local gym and changed my diet. Then I saw the #walk1000miles challenge in this magazine and it seemed like a great way to improve my fitness and help me get back to something like normality, so I joined up last December.

Walking was strange for me to begin with as I don’t have much feeling in my left foot which made me limp a lot. It took me time to get used to it but it has become normal for me and I no longer limp along.

The most exciting walk we have done this year was along The Bright Angel Trail to Indian Gardens, four miles into the Grand Canyon and back. In the heat it can be dangerous and a sign at the top reads “Remember, going down is optional but coming back up is mandatory”. Good advice! We were well prepared and it was so exciting to see the canyon from deep inside. Nothing can really prepare you for the enormity of the place. So much bigger than you imagine, and wonderfully inspiring.

I’m currently on 496 miles in my challenge so on my walk home from work tomorrow I will reach half way! Thanks Country Walking magazine for doing your bit to help my recovery. Seán Boxall, Andover