Here's some more information about the team...
Helen is taking part in the 100km challenge because she likes to push herself and enjoys an adventure. Over the years she's taken part in the Keswick to Barrow 40mile walk, Night of Flanders 100km and Death March 100km as an individual. She says that to now be part of a team, to see four individuals become as one, and with dedicated support crew, is a dream come true.
Helen feels life begins at 45 as finally she has become the person she always knew she was, but didn't have the confidence to show. Through development workshops, meditation and counselling courses, the fear that once held her back is now no more and the world has many horizons beckoning her!
This challenge has given Helen a new focus on life away from the everyday and mundane. She feels that to be at one with nature, doing something she enjoys with a passion and helping others less fortunate is a privilege.
Aly started her walking career by climbing Snowden when she was eight years old. Since then she walks whenever she gets the opportunity, whether its to work, college or into the city. She loves to walk in all weathers and terrains - its the link with the outdoors that inspires her as she is besotted with natural history. She's walked the Camino pilgrim way in Spain three times, has completed theThree Peaks challenge and the 40 mile Keswick to Barrow walk. She became a mum for the first time in August 2010 and now takes son, Noah, out in a rucksac with her. Aly says she has the wonderful support of her partner, Maria, and that this challenge is brilliant for her, not just because she loves walking but because the money that will be raised will help improve the quality of life for people less fortunate than her.
Alison celebrates her 40th birthday this year and hopes that by taking the 100k challenge she can inspire others to realise that life really does begin at 40! Although she admits she hesitated to take up the challenge at first, she opted in because she wanted the team to succeed and was so impressed with the commitment of the team members. Now, she says, she's really up for it and training regularly.
Alison has always loved to walk and has walked the South West Coast path through Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. She also walks the Suffolk coast path regularly. But her favourite walk will always be from Port Isaac to Trebarwith Strand,(Tintagel) in Cornwall. Although only 6 or 7 miles, it was graded as 'severe' with seven huge cliff and she was pleased she managed to do it in only 2 and a half hours.
At 55, Heather is the oldest member of the team, but is determined to complete the walk even if she has to resort to a zimmer frame and pain killers. She has been an active walker all her life, with initial inspiration coming from her dearly loved mother who has now passed away.
She has both arranged/led walks and taken part in them with the longest thus far being 20 miles and the highest being Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park, where she and sister met a cougar. Later this year she is spending a few weeks walking in Peru, in particular to explore the ruins of Machu Picchu. She's hoping that a 100 kilometre walk in the South Downs will be great preparation for a stroll in the Andes.
Heather's also taking the 100k challenge because she firmly believes that Oxfam and the Gurkha Trust are worthwhile charities and because 'my team members are superb and are all great motivators'.
And the support crew..
Margaret - when she's not practising her motivational techniques, Margaret likes to spend her time tending her allotment, working as a conservation volunteer, walking in the Suffolk countryside and searching for dead ancestors. She would have taken the 100k challenge herself but her knees said 'no'. She's hoping that Grolsch notice the product placement and sponsor the team for a lot of money.
Michelle has joined the team to support Alison and their friends. Her great love is walking in mountains but even so the thought of walking 60 miles or more does not appeal to her! She loves reading, the outdoors, and pottering around garden centres. Being in the support crew has showed her certain strengths that she did not know she had. She wants to be there cheering on the team on the day and celebrating with them as they cross the finishing line!
Sonia
I work for Suffolk Fire Service in the Community Safety Department and have four children, two of whom are on call firefighters. I also have three grandchildren.
Heather and I have been friends for over 20 years, and when Heather told me about the trail walker challenge and asked if I would be part of the support team I thought that it sounded like an exciting opportunity to be involved in something very different from my every day life.
Craig
Hi, my name is Craig and I have known Helen for two and a half years. When she mentioned the Trailwalker Challenge that she and the team were undertaking, I became very interested and eager to help in any way possible.Three years ago I achieved my diploma in hypnotherapy and have helped many people to achieve their goals.
I also was able to motivate myself and have achieved a different outlook on my life and career. Through these qualities I wish to help to spur the team onwards.
