June strolls to the Caribbean and back for Epilepsy Society
A WOKINGHAM woman who doesn’t like walking, has strolled 100 miles in 100 days while at sea, to raise money for charity.
June Taplin, also known as June Booty, went on a seafaring holiday on one of P&O’s cruise ships, the Aurora.
The trip took her from Southampton to the US and the Caribbean, over 65 nights from January to March.
She decided to complete 100 laps of the Aurora in 100 days, and has already raised more than £1,100 towards her target of £1,222.
June may not be a fan of walking, but she’s no stranger to challenge.
“I would definitely do something else – but not on foot,” she said.
“I’ve had a go at zip-wire, and I once abseiled down a huge building.
“I was quite rubbish at that, and ended up dangling at height, but it was worth doing.
“And I went on a tricky 1,000 mile motorcycle ride in Ragasthan, India.”
Her ocean fundraiser sounds a walk in the park (or round the ship) in comparison.
June said: “I’m glad I did it. “I support the Epilepsy Society, and when I saw that they were promoting a 100 themed challenge, I thought it would be a good idea to do some exercise while on holiday.
“I ended up doing not 100, but 320 laps of the ship.
“Fortunately, lots of people promenade during a cruise, so nobody took any notice.”
As the weeks passed, June discovered she could do more laps in a day.
“I started with four, but by the end I could do 10 in just over an hour,” she said.
The other thing that changed was June’s clothing.
“In Southampton I was bundled up in coats and jumpers, but by the time we reached the Caribbean, the layers had to come off,” she said.
“Walking on a ship is OK on the lengths, but the back can be quite difficult.
“Because of the swell you can end up going uphill and downhill a lot.
“I still don’t like walking, but I do think it’s probably improved my dodgy knee.”
June said she would like to thank all those who have supported her fundraising effort, and invites anyone who would like to donate to the Epilepsy Society to visit her fundraising page on the charity’s website, at: www.epilepsysociety. enthuse.com