I did it! I have completed stage 1 of my #BenHannah3530 challenge. Between 1st January 2021-15th March 2021 I walked 30 lengths of my garden, in stages with support of my four wheeled walker, specialist splints and the support of two people.The weather has made it more challenging, with lots of rain, snow and ice along the way! This has meant that on some days, even when I have felt up to it, it has made a walk not possible.Nevertheless, three weeks after my initial planned finished date, I completed my 30th length of the garden.

Hannah with her parents, after completing stage 1 of her #BenHannah3530 challenge

I have been overwhelmed with the support I have received for my challenge. Initially, I was hesitant about starting it as it was a very dark time, with up to 1800 or so people loosing their lives each day to Covid-19, people were just trying to get through one day to the next, without thinking about challenges and fundraising. However, friends encouraged me, with several people saying that challenges like this give people something positive to focus on, and hope. As a result I persevered on and I am glad I did.

The Response Has Been Amazing.

Get Involved

I have invited family, friends and neighbours to create their own 30 and or 35 challenges, I didn’t know whether anyone would. I have been amazed at the involvement from others creating their own challenges and how varied they are. From 30 mile runs, 30 laps of our road, 10 lots of 30 press ups, 30 hours of piano playing over 3 days, cake sales, 30 walks, to 30 cycles up the mountain. Other challenges that I know are planned for the summer include a 30 mile walk by Ben’s University friends finishing at his tree, a 30 km walk, a 30 and 35 mile cycle ride and a plant sale. It is very encouraging.

Fundraising and Thank YOU

Julie, George and Lucy, have also managed to raise some fantastic amounts of money in their challenges. With their sponsorship and mine, I am now up to an incredible £4902.45 (£5749.31 including gift aid) for White Lodge, Starlight Children’s Foundation and Child Bereavement UK. Which is far more than I ever thought I would raise.So for that I want to say a huge, huge thank you to everyone who has sponsored me, I really appreciate it and it will make such a difference to the charities.

Hannah with her Mum standing in front of the Starlight banner

The garden and my walker have become more decorated over the weeks. I started with a piece of bunting for each charity on my walker and went on to flags, balloons, bunting in the trees, a banner and bunting across the hedge and banner against the trees! When the bunting came out I think our neighbours wondered what was going on and whether we were going to have a party! I thought, I hope they don’t report us!(Being that it was lockdown.)

Hannah and her Mum standing next to the trees with White Lodge charity bunting

We have just taken the banners and bunting down for the next few months and I have to say it looks a bit bare! It feels like the right thing to do to mark my birthday, celebrate Ben’s birthday and remember him. Sometimes you don’t know how these things are going to turn out, but it has been a very positive experience. I will remember my 30th birthday as a milestone in my life in terms of age, but also a milestone for this great achievement. Do not fear, I will be back in September to start 35 lengths for stage 2. In the mean time I look forward to seeing what 30 and or 35 challenges YOU come up with, your imagination is the limit/ limiting factor! Why not challenge yourself? Make 2021 memorable for a positive reason.Take care and if you would like to sponsor me or check out my page here is the link: #BenHannah3530

Hannah x

You may also be interested in reading my first blog post about my challenge: #BenHannah3530 blog post