STEPtember Together Challenge

#loveagoodwalk

Joy took part in the Thames Bridge Challenge

Star trekker Joy took part in the Thames Bridges Challenge with her husband Ian and relished the opportunity to give to her local community.

“I’ve known about SNAP since it began in 1994 and I’ve seen at close range the challenges that come with parenting a child with special needs and it’s inspiring to see the way SNAP has grown into the incredible charity it is today,” said Joy.

“I’m usually more of a box sets and sofa kind of person, but I decided that myself – and my husband – needed to get some low-impact exercise, and SNAP was the obvious choice to benefit from our efforts. I love London and the river, so trekking the 25k across the capital’s famous bridges was just right for us.”

“I just put on my trainers, downloaded an audio book to my phone and walked out the front door. The walk organisers sent me a whole pack of information about training, and as long as you walk regularly at whatever pace suits you and gradually increase the distance the training is fine.”

“I started a joint Just Giving page with Ian and just wrote a bit about SNAP and then shared this page on Facebook, as well as printing off a sponsor sheet for work. I think being sponsored made me less likely to chicken out, and helped me to discipline myself for training.”

“On the actual event day it was great fun. You get a great sense of taking part in a community event and because you’re walking, rather than running, you can chat to people you meet along the way. It was really pretty walking over all the bridges and we were lucky with the sun. There’s a halfway stop for refreshments and at the end there was a reception on a boat on the Thames.”

Joy was proud of her achievement – and medal – and was also delighted to have raised £1,151 for SNAP.