Team complete trek along River Thames

TWENTY-seven hours of non-stop walking paid off for a group of hardy Harlow residents who have raised more than £7,000 for good causes.

Mike Beatty, who set up the Nothing & Everything campaign, was joined by his team of latest recruits on  the Thames Path Challenge which requires those taking part to complete a 100km walk along the banks of the River Thames within 24 hours.

Although some of the members just failed to make the target time, Mike said the most important thing was that all but one made it to the finish line. 

“We ended up splitting off into three different paced groups with the quickest finishing in 21 hours,” said Mike, of  Challinor, Harlow.

“After two days of solid rain we were extremely lucky to have really good weather on the days and night we took on the challenge, but it was still extremely tough. The sleep deprivation on top of sore feet really gets to you by the end.

“My group had to take their shoes off for the last 15km but through sheer determination we made it to the finish line. It was very emotional and the whole group did a fantastic job."

The money raised by the group will now be split between three charities – Edukid, which supports vulnerable children in Africa and Asia; the Amy Wallace Foundation Trust, supporting terminally ill children and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

It adds to the total of more £60,000 which has raised for charitable causes through the Nothing & Everything campaign, which aims to raise £100,000 within five years through group endurance events.

“With two years to go we are on target at the moment and already thinking about our next big challenge,” said Mike. “If the Thames Path Challenge confirmed anything it was that these things really are mainly about mental strength.

“You have to be reasonably fit, but essentially it is about visualising your goal and telling yourself you can reach it. As the whole group found out, it is then the most incredible feeling when you finally do.”

Organisers of the Nothing & Everything campaign are always looking for more people to join up with their own challenges. For more information, visit the website at www.nothingandeverything.co.uk.