My medals have arrived for two walking challenges that I undertook before the lockdown restrictions were eased.

Due to the recommended hour for a walk once a day I was limited to the 5k (3.1 miles) option.

VE Day Challenge – 3.31 miles completed on 11 May 2020 taking 60 minutes. This event commemorated 75 years since VE day, to raise awareness and to raise money for SSAFA.

NHS Challenge – 4.01 miles completed on 12 May 2020 taking 70 minutes. This event raised money for ‘NHS Charities Together’ during the COVID-19 crisis.

Despite the current lock-down our local town improvised to celebrate VE day with social distancing throughout the town. Due to the efforts of of local people the town was decorated with bunting and poppies. A plane displaying the message ‘THANK YOU HEROES PAST & PRESENT’ flew overheard.  Midlands Today recorded the events including streets that had arranged parties to celebrate VE 75.

Photo taken by Claire

Later in the day our street enjoyed a social distancing party to celebrate the day from our front lawns. The current restrictions have brought our communities much closer together, a perfect spirit for VE day celebrations.

Much later on there was ‘Fine Dining’ on the patio watching the sun go down, the stars emerging and two bats flitting around.

A perfect day