Together at the finish line

When Clare Baffin-Massie passed 1000 miles in August, there was no way wife Gemma was going to miss it – despite recovering in hospital after a heart transplant two weeks before. Unable to be with her in person, Gemma was there virtually on her phone, cheering Claire on from her bed. “Gemma was there last year, waiting to present my medal so it was amazing that she could be with me ‘virtually’ the same way.”

Gemma was diagnosed with heart failure in 2013 and her health has deteriorated in recent times.

“It’s been devastating for both of us,” says Clare. “Walking’s been a way of taking stock and being mentally stronger for Gemma, while also being fitter and able to do more for us both.”

Clare joined #walk1000miles in January 2020. “I felt the benefits of walking very quickly, and in lockdown even more so! Gemma had to shield due to her health and my daily walk was a huge comfort. By the end of 2020 I’d lost seven stone.”

For Gemma, shorter walks gave her a real feeling of accomplishment and helped her mentally and physically. She was given a heart transplant on 5th August. “There are lots of things to process,” says Clare, “But we’ll forever be grateful for the donor and the donor’s family who took the difficult decision to donate at such a devastating time.”

Throughout all the difficulties, says Clare, “#walk1000miles has been an absolute godsend. Without the challenge and focus I’m not sure I would have got through the last two years of lockdown and health issues.

“Physically, I’m so much fitter and the weight loss has boosted my selfesteem and confidence. And the walks we’ve done together have been lovely and have given us both moments of joy and laughter.”