Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Newbury friends take on 100km Thames Path Ultra Challenge for cancer charities




Two friends have completed a 100km walk and raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Newbury Weekly News deputy editor Sarah Bosley and St Nicolas Junior School teacher Lorna Crowther took part in the Thames Path Ultra Challenge at the weekend – on one of the hottest days of the year.

At the finish line in Henley on Sunday evening
At the finish line in Henley on Sunday evening

The pair began in Putney on Saturday morning and walked 100km along the towpath of the River Thames, over two days, ending up in Henley on Sunday evening.

“It was one of the toughest things I have ever done,” said Mrs Bosley. “On Saturday the heat was a real challenge, making sure we stayed hydrated was so important.

“It made eating anything difficult for me and then after about 25k I damaged the tendons and ligaments in my ankle so it was really painful from then on.

“Lorna was amazing and helped me every step of the way – taking way more rest stops than she needed to when I just had to take the weight off my ankle for a few minutes every few kilometres towards the end.”

Mrs Crowther has so far raised more than £1,500 for Cancer Research UK in memory of her mother, Maureen Preston, who died of the disease in July.

Mrs Bosley undertook the challenge to raise money for Breast Cancer Now after one of her closest friends was diagnosed with the disease at the end of last year at the age of just 43.

On Saturday at around 45k
On Saturday at around 45k

The friends walked in darkness to make it to Runnymede on Saturday evening and had a few hours of sleep in a tent before they set off again early on Sunday morning.

Then, after more than 26 hours, they crossed the finish line in Henley, to cheers from their husbands, children, family and friends.

“It was an amazing weekend, but there were times when I didn’t think I would make it to the end, so getting across the line and seeing all our family and friends there was very emotional,” added Mrs Bosley.

Lorna Crowther (left) and NWN deputy editor, Sarah Bosley at the start in Putney
Lorna Crowther (left) and NWN deputy editor, Sarah Bosley at the start in Putney

“We met some lovely people along the way and they all had their own stories and own reasons for doing the event and we all encouraged and checked up on each other as we went.

“Thank you so much to everyone who supported us and has sponsored us. It really kept us going throughout the weekend.

“I am so proud of us both, but I won’t be doing anything like that again for while.”

You can still add to the women’s sponsorship totals by visiting their JustGiving pages here – https://tinyurl.com/y6u3w7yv and https://tinyurl.com/bdzvcvzf



Comments | 0
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More