On the 2nd of June a team of 21 amazing people took part in the 50km challenge walk of the Jurassic Coast 100 from Lyme Regis to Exmouth.
Starting at 7.45am the team left Lyme Regis Football club and headed though the “lost world” of the Under Cliffs towards Seaton. This stretch was mainly in the shade and the ground was slippery. A few of the team members fell and were injured, yet they carried on. Just before Seaton we were greeted by our first water stop, jelly babies and coke, these were much needed.
After Seaton we headed towards Branscombe. On route to Branscombe we walked through the beautiful village of Beer, no time to stop and have a pint mind you. We carried on over the White Chalk cliffs to Branscombe.
Leaving Branscombe we faced the toughest part of the walk towards Sidmouth, the path takes you from sea level to heights of 150m, over and over again. It was exhausting with every incline and painful with every decline, it took it’s toll on our knees.
Once at Sidmouth we enjoyed the pleasure of flat ground along the seafront to only then be confronted by a steep climb to Peak Hill and then a few rolling hills into the sleepy town of Budleigh Salterton.
One last climb (we heard those words many times) took us over to West Beacon before we passed the resort of sandy Bay, we came to the Geoneedle, marking the end of the Jurassic coast with an easy flat 2km to the finish line. Those last 2km were the longest we have ever walked.
16 out of the team of 21 completed the walk, those who didn’t manage to get to the end gave it their best and were only beaten because of injuries. We had two great support drivers that rallied us along and met us at various points so we can change plasters and stock up on supplies.
Along the way we were stopped many times by members of the public enquiring about Batten Disease. Several gave cash donations on the spot – inspirational.
A great day. A fantastic achievement by the whole team. An awesome shared experience. Great awareness raising and much needed fundraising.
