Christchurch resident, Kim Tricker, can finally hang up her boots and pack away the walking poles after successfully completing a 630-mile virtual walking challenge in aid of Diverse Abilities.
Last Christmas, while the country was in lockdown, Kim set herself the challenge of completing the virtual walk, which is equivalent to the south west coast path starting at Minehead and finishing at Poole Harbour.
With lockdown restrictions in place, and guidelines advising us to stay at home, Kim took it upon herself to sign up for the virtual challenge and complete the miles locally while logging her mileage to update the challenge map.
Originally, signing up for the walk was a personal challenge for Kim to conquer, however, realised she could use the fantastic opportunity to fundraise for Diverse Abilities.
Commenting on the walking challenge, Kim said: “Where I work at Hoburne Group Support in Christchurch, we had been supporting Diverse Abilities as the company’s charity of the year, and I wanted to help contribute to the fundraising efforts.
“It’s been difficult to get in the miles while juggling a full-time job, but I have grabbed every opportunity where possible walking into work and walking at the weekends around the New Forest.”
Hoburne’s Director, Rosie Kennar, added: “The whole team at Hoburne is so proud of Kim’s commitment and determination to completing this gruelling challenge. Not only has she smashed this personal goal during this difficult pandemic year, but she has raised a significant sum for our Hoburne Group Support charity of 2021, Diverse Abilities, along the way. Both we and they are in awe of her achievement and so very grateful to her.”
Now that Kim has completed the South West Coast Path Virtual Challenge, she has set her sights on taking part in Diverse Abilities Jurassic Coast Challenge in 2022, walking 100km over two days.
To support Kim with her fundraising efforts, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hoburne-group.