Where do I start!!!!! Day 14 Grosmont to RHB and the official end to the C2C đȘ. Yet another stunning walk, especially the final approach to the Costa Del Yorkshire. Many tears and traditionally we stepped into the sea before signing the official Wainwrightâs book at the Bay Hotel with a couple of beers. Beer and Imodium works well together đ. My thanks to Suzy, Neil, Chloe and Harry Purves for hosting us and their great support for Debbie/St Catherineâs very special friends đ
Day 15. RHB to St Catherineâs Scarborough. The final day!! A very very special day. Joined by family, friends and St Catherineâs staff at Dollies Ice Cream shop we set off for the Hospice in Scarborough. I want to name everyone, but itâs easier to just say I have never felt as proud to be with everyone who took part and joined in đđđđđđ. As we walked and remembered Debbie the group continued to grow as we picked up more walkers along the way. We even had a live musical accompaniment!! Arriving at the gates to St Catherineâs it was my honour to meet Neve, who you will remember from my previous post let me borrow her Unicorn đŠ. Such a brave and beautiful young girl and I was very proud to return the Unicorn together with as promised the pebble I carried for her from St Bees. đđđđđđđđđđ. We all paraded into the Hospice grounds to a truly magnificent reception đ€đđ. All the duty staff and management were there to welcome us in, so many of who both cared for and loved Debbie and myself. Overwhelmed doesnât describe the emotions, but truthfully and as I explained the thanks weâre all mine, Debbieâs and our familyâs for everything they gave us in our last weeks together đ. True angels everyone of them. If I did the walk every day for the rest of my life, it still wouldnât repay the love, care and help they all gave us. đđđđđđđđđđđđđđđđđđ
My heart as was Debbieâs will forever be filled with love. â€ïž Many more photos will follow, but here is a flavour.
Just one very special thank you to my walking friend and soulmate âSteve Tonto Tomlinsonâ who guided me throughout this extraordinary journey, unwaveringly he put up with me and had my back all the way. A very special friend đ.
Finally, I want to share some personal thoughts with everyone. On the last day and throughout my journey I have had a great deal of time to reflect on so many things. These have been shaped significantly by everyone, including supporters, people I have met and moments shared - especially with Debbieđ. Life changing would be an understatement, both physically and mentally. Physically I arrived home a racing snake at 12st 2lb !!!! Thatâs 9lbâs lighter than when I set offđ€Ș. Mentally, I have one overriding thought that I will hold forever:
âLove can never be taken or taken for granted. Love can only be given or shared â€ïž. love received can never mend a broken heart on itâs own. Real healing begins with opening your own heart and learning again to give and share love with others. Friendship is the purest, most simple and effective form of love we all have the gift to give and receive. So always offer and hold your hand out to others and what you receive will always be as great as what you giveâ đ.
It was such a honour and privilege to be part of this with you mate. Your determination, especially as you muck spread your way through Yorkshire, was inspiring and Debbie would be so proud of you. Thank you for asking me to come and share this experience.
With regards to your comment about doing it daily to repay the love, you need a new sidekick! Tonto is resigning, but what ever happens weâll always have Blakey Ridge, or was it Kidsty Pike! Whatever, âItâs been emotional! â€ïžâ€ïž