In a remarkable display of strength and determination, 90-year-old Mary Nicholson from Burnham-on-Sea completed the entire 97-mile stretch of Hadrian’s Wall to raise funds for the NHS. Her inspiring journey raised over £8,500 for the Beacon Centre at Musgrove Park Hospital, where her brother Peter is currently receiving cancer treatment.
Moved by the exceptional care her brother received, Mary decided to embark on this ambitious challenge. “Following the outstanding care and treatment for my brother, Peter, at the Beacon Centre and from colorectal surgeon Mr. Paul Mackey, I decided to walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall to raise money for Musgrove Park Hospital’s cancer services,” she explained.
The walk, completed over eight days, was no easy feat. The initial days were mostly flat and manageable, but as Mary progressed, the terrain grew increasingly difficult with steep hills, rocky paths, and uneven stiles to climb. The hottest days and longer distances tested her endurance, especially on day five or six when a supposed 11-mile stretch extended to 15 miles, challenging her aching legs.
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Despite battling arthritis in her knees and facing numerous moments of wanting to quit, Mary’s unwavering faith and motivation to support her brother kept her going. “In honesty, there were many times I wanted to give up because of the physical barriers, but it was my faith that drove me on. I have arthritis in my knees, which could be painful, but I still managed to complete it!” she said.
Mary, a former midwife, was supported on her journey by her family, including her three daughters, youngest son, and grandchildren. Nevertheless, she proudly set the pace for the group, drawing strength from the thought of the Beacon Centre and the excellent care her brother received. “It’s his enthusiasm for the centre and all the care they have taken of him that kept me going,” she shared.
Her preparation involved daily walks along Burnham beach and Brean Down before commencing the challenge on April 25. Reflecting on the experience, Mary admitted, “I thought, ‘I’ve cracked this, this is going to be a piece of cake’ – but it was no piece of cake. It was much, much tougher than that, but I’m so glad I did it.”
The successful completion of the walk culminated in a special cheque presentation on August 18, celebrating Mary’s extraordinary achievement and generous contribution to the hospital’s cancer services.