‘It’s been an amazing experience’

#walk1000miles has enabled long-term ME sufferer Jo Hardstaff, 36 from Kent, to achieve the impossible.

‘I’ve had ME for most of my life. When one of my friends signed up to the challenge in 2020, I thought that would be amazing, but there was no way I could do that... could I? On a whim, I signed up for 2021. I thought I’d base it on all steps, not just walks, and if I didn’t get to 1000, it still might be fun. Well it’s been an amazing experience, and I was flabbergasted that I managed to complete it before the end of September!

‘Having a daily target to work towards, and the support and inspiration from the Facebook group, has been incredible. The community has been so encouraging – they’ve really enhanced the whole challenge.

‘The best walk I did this year was a spontaneously early walk with my daughter – 5am. It was so lovely walking through our usually busy town and off down the seafront hardly seeing a soul. The connection I’ve made with her during the year on these long walks has been wonderful.

‘Now we have just got our first dog! I have never felt well enough to take on the responsibility of a dog before, but thanks to this challenge,

I know I will be able to look after it and enjoy having a furry companion on our adventures!’