Sandra's "77th Birthday Walk" fundraising story

Our amazing fundraiser 'granny Sandra' shares the incredible story of her walking challenge, raising money to help provide vital eating disorder support

What can I do?....

I am a Granny and sadly like so many others have seen the affect Eating Disorders has had on my grand-daughters and my family. It has been a difficult 3 years for us all and finding support from BEAT has been a lifeline. I know how much support is needed and wanted to do something practical to raise funds and awareness for this amazing charity.

SO…..

In September I was celebrating my 77th Birthday. I didn’t want gifts so decided to use this month to set myself a challenge and raise funds for BEAT. That challenge was to walk 7kms around 7 parks with my friends and family. I decided on the parks, prepared for the walks, received a fantastic T-shirt from BEAT, along with advertising materials, and set up a Justgiving page. I was all set to go.

What followed that month was beyond expectations as the walks began and the donations came flooding in. It was very humbling to see what had been written and it really encouraged me to keep going. Not only was the exercise a benefit to me but more importantly striding out wearing the BEAT T-shirt meant conversations were started, an openness about talking of mental illness and folk shared their own stories with me about their experiences . It united us in our desire for healing and support for our families and each other

So I grew in confidence and openness in talking about my desire to do something and sharing about how I was feeling.. I shared at MY WI Meeting and was surprised to find other Grannies sharing their own sadness and concerns for their families. It bonded us together, gave us encouragement and an opportunity to keep thinking positively.

Yes… I finished all my walks, had a fabulous time with my friends and family, enjoyed some beautiful scenery and very special conversations. I wore my T-SHIRT with such Pride that I was representing a charity that was reaching out and giving HOPE to so many…. AND WALKED.. as my grand- daughter said…for her and so many others with ED. …and ….so far I have raised £1250 .WHOW.. My target was £500!

What an honour and a privilege..I can’t wait to do more for BEAT and so grateful for this opportunity to share.. Doing something for others is the Best Gift you can ever receive!.. So think about what you can do… and I am too as I write this BLOG!

Thank you

Granny Sandra