Earlier this week, I joined the remarkable Kate Hedges and her fellow walkers for a section of The Bryson Line. I have referred to it before in this blog so for speedy background, please go to their website. But, for a blog to beat all blogs, do take a peek at theirs. This is an amazing account of an epic challenge. Kate is a former patient at Royal Brompton and she and husband Jeff, together with close friends and allies are walking from Cape Wrath to Bognor Regis raising money for Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospital Charity as well as several other charities. This is no ordinary walk – averaging 20 miles a day for 30 days, they have had some amazing adventures and occasional setbacks but their enthusiasm and determination is infectious – and a message for life, not just the walk!

My husband and I joined them for the Lancashire Canal section – it was hot but lovely and the company was exceptional.  I would have loved to have stayed and walked much more with them. Kate, you are unforgettable – irrepressible. Thank you.

So, this evening is the Champagne Picnic at Harefield. This is such a fun and lovely event – warmth in every sense of the word. The sun has always shone on our picnic and the warmth from our volunteers who make it happen and the supporters who come to enjoy it could eclipse the sunshine any day. Well done to Sallinder and May – our super fundraisers at Harefield and special love and thanks to Sophia O’Brien for all her wonderful organising for this event. 

On Saturday it is my daughter’s 21^st birthday so it is a quick dash from Harefield to Manchester to help her move house and take her out for a birthday lunch before heading back to London for our landmark event The Grand Canal Challenge. Every year this gets bigger and better. Ashley Westpfel, our Director of Fundraising, organises it down to the last detail but he also has a great team working with him to stage this brilliant event which links our two hospitals along the Grand Union Canal.

Pictured above – walkers and cyclists (including my husband) enjoying the event. 

We have nearly 200 people coming but I will be there at the start from 7.30am and I am happy to enrol you if you just want to turn up on the day and pay your dues when you reach Harefield. A fabulous day for a great cause – it’s what sunshine and great landscapes were made for – not forgetting finishing at Harefield to music, food, beer and more fun. I hope to see you there.