A night to remember – Walking for Kingston Hospital
A Night to Remember… it certainly was!
On the 9th September I took part in a 13 mile night charity walk to raise money for Kingston Hospital. It was also the 75th anniversary of our wonderful NHS and at Pearson Hards we felt it important to support our local hospital and thank them for all their hard work and effort.
I personally visit clients in the local hospitals and they are always full of praise for the wonderful care they are given.
The event provided the option for a 5 mile or a 13 mile option and I immediately chose the longer distance, I am always up for a challenge!
Although I walk with my dog, Gizmo the pug-tzu, I rarely have the opportunity to walk very long distances so I knew it would push my fitness levels!
We began the night at 7pm in the Kingston square and set off down the river path towards Hampton.
Great conversation and excitement filled the air and the first hour flew by. A check point at Hampton gave us a refreshing break…for all of a minute! Then we set off back up towards Kingston. This is where the journey ended for many as they had completed their 5 mile walk and headed off over the bridge to receive their well earned medal.
I continued on towards Twickenham and apart for an ambiguous arrow which sent me on a slightly altered path, I managed to find my way to the second check point just before Richmond bridge.
By this point my shins were beginning to ache and I wondered if an Uber was an option! However, a lovely group of local care workers caught up with me and spurred me on to the finish line.
At 11:36pm I finished my journey, tired with sore shins but happy. The group who cheered us on to the finish gave us all our smiles back and I felt proud to have completed the challenge.
Thank you to everyone who donated to the event – friends, family and colleagues all helped raise £430 and Kingston Hospital Charity were incredibly grateful.
An amazing event and a worthwhile cause – until next year!
Claire-Louise Smith, Wealth Management Executive
