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50 Miles in May: Dover to Margate

Date: 07/06/2022

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Following nearly 2 years of lockdowns and restrictions, 2022 looked like the year that we would return to something close to normality. I wanted to seize this opportunity and make a change, make a difference - cue spearheading Spencer Private Hospitals charity committee!

So this is where it began, a small group of likeminded people, coming together for a worthy cause. To kick off the fundraising efforts I volunteered to undertake a sponsored walk in May, coinciding with national walking month. This walk would see me travel between SPH sites in Margate, Canterbury and Ashford in three separate walks over 3 days, which would total over 50 miles – but first, planning!

After mapping the routes and completing risk assessments it was time to schedule the dates, which were: Dover to Margate (via Betteshangar) Wednesday 11th May, Margate to Canterbury 18th May and finally Canterbury to Ashford on 25th May. Everything was set.

The morning of the 10th I woke up with an excruciating pain in my legs, shin splints! This being the case, I thought it probably best to delay the walks. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but I knew it was the right thing to do

Fast forward to a week later, 18th May. I awake to the sun beaming. Today was the day, it was time to do the first leg of my walk and I was ready for it! I set off from Dover at 9.30am, the sun shining and a spring in my step. I walked up through Whitfield and then on through the villages, glad to leave the hills of Dover behind me. Around midday I arrived at Almond House and sat down for a well-deserved rest. I sat for a while before heading off again, making sure to apply some Altruist sunscreen and fill my water before I did so. I also found a little friend to join me – Dr Spencer Bear.

Walking on from Betteshanger I continued towards Margate. After walking for another hour or so I came to a section of road that was too dangerous to walk along and so I took to the fields! I crossed a small bridge which took me over a river and then on through the field. Eventually the field was impassable as it became boggy and with no sign of a way around. I begrudgingly turned around and started to walk back the way I had come. Luckily, I found another foot bridge which took me back over the river, meaning I didn’t have to retrace my steps all the way back to where I originally entered the field.

I carried on, passing through Sandwich. I was now over half way and was approaching my second rest stop, the Viking Ship ‘Hugin’. Upon arriving at the Viking Ship I was met by Molly who very kindly brought me some food and drink. We talked briefly before I set off again. This was it, the final stretch. I continued walking, passing Manston Golf Club and Westwood Cross before coming to the Hornby factory. In the distance I could see a sign for the hospital. I had made it! Walk number one complete and 22 miles under my belt - I felt great!

TJ, Marketing Consultant

Look out for part 2 of the blog!

Spencer Private Hospitals 50 Miles in May

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