Heart and sole

Nearly 11 hours, 30 miles, 67 thousand steps and lots of aches and pains later we smashed it! Just like we did when we doubled our target by raising over £4K enabling us to purchase an AED for our family and raise money for charity.

Yesterday was a very poignant day for us as we took the journey by foot that Darcie travelled when she was taken from Resus at Worcester to PICU at Birmingham Children’s Hospital when she suffered her first Ventricular Tachycardia episode, at only 7 months old, that led to her diagnosis of Brugada Syndrome.

The day began with an early start and the sun beaming down on us in a buoyant but emotional start at

Worcester City Centre. Joined by our 2 older children with family and friends throughout the journey, we made our way through beautiful countryside along the canal tow path following the Worcester to Birmingham Canal keeping our spirits up as much as we could for what would be the most enduring challenge we’ve ever experienced. Darcie and Harper joined us just before our half way point for 3 miles at the most challenging part of the journey where the canal weaved upwards through 30 locks and stunning views at the busiest part of the canal with lots of narrow boats and other walkers, giving us a great opportunity to raise awareness of Brugada Syndrome via our custom-made t-shirts!

After 16 miles, the children departed us with sore feet feeling absolutely thrilled that they’d been part of the journey and we were super proud they all made it so far! The second half of the expedition journeyed through more tow paths intertwining stunning countryside and woodland with more family and friends showing their support by joining us for some of our walk...

"But it was the last few hours that were the most painful – it seemed to go on forever but knowing why we were putting ourselves through this made us go on in silence to conserve our energy, holding back the tears several times."

We knew we had to battle through the pain in our legs and feet and make it to the end. As we got nearer to Birmingham, the feeling of seeing the end point in sight and the last milestone reading only 450m to Gas Street Basin in Birmingham City Centre was exhilarating, exhausting and emotional all at once. We had done it. We had honoured Darcie. And what a story to re-tell her in years to come – that we ventured 30 miles in her name raising awareness for her condition!

We cannot thank those who joined us and supported us for some of our journey enough. They made it what it was, and it shows how much this meant not only to us, but to them as well. All our gratitude goes to every single person who donated to our cause enabling us to ensure our whole family is protected with an AED and raising money for our chosen charities – Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Arrhythmia Alliance – who do a remarkable job every day.

And Darcie...well, she's a little superstar as is Harper, who has a testing time ahead of her and more emotional moments to come for us all.