Thumbs at ready for Doug’s big hike
STUART PIKE
AMAN is aiming to raise £5,000 for the MS Society by hitch-hiking the length of mainland Britain.
Doug Gosling, who lives in Ramsbottom with wife Sylvia, was inspired to take on the challenge by his daughter-in-law Nicoletta, who lives with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The 66-year-old, who himself suffers from a heart condition and has had his aortic valve replaced, caught his first ride from the iconic signpost at John O’Groats on Monday, June 5.
He will hitch-hike 874 miles south west to Land’s End, staying at hotels, B&Bs and with friends and family along the way.
He hopes to arrive back home in time for his birthday on June 16.
The Burnley FC season ticket holder is a seasoned hitch-hiker, but has not done a big trip since 1975 when he travelled from Turkey to the UK.
Doug will be travelling with only one bag – filled with medicine, clothes, waterproof outerwear and his iPod and Kindle for entertainment – and also his hitch-hiker’s sign.
He said: “I’ve been planning the challenge for three months, but I’ve been thinking about it for even longer.
“It’s great to feel like I’m actually doing it, that it’s actually happening, especially with the recent trouble I’ve had with my health.
“Setting out to do this with heart failure is a challenge in itself. I know some days will be easier than others, but I have faith in the kindness of strangers to get me there. I’ve been really humbled by people’s donations.”
Nicoletta was diag- ●● Doug Gosling ready for his hitch-hiking challenge from John O’Groats to Land’s End nosed with relapsing MS, after waking up one morning to find that she had lost the feeling in her right leg, from the sole of her foot to her hip. She is generally well thanks to treatment, although pins and needles, numbness and overwhelming fatigue present daily challenges for her.
Sylvia, 67, was feeling a mixture of emotions as her husband set off.
She said: “I feel pride because I think it’s a very brave thing to do, but I also have some anxiety because of his health. He wanted to do this, and just like the other challenges he’s done because he wanted to – running the Manchester marathon, trekking in Nepal and climbing the highest mountain in Morocco – I know he’ll get a lot out of it. But I’ll be glad to have him home.”
She added: “Our neighbours and the local people have been really generous with Doug’s fundraiser. Ramsbottom is a super little town and everyone is really friendly.” ●● The bike and George Staples (inset)