After completing my Queen Elizabeth II memorial walking challenge; 96k (60 miles) by virtually walking from Sonning Common to London, I retraced my steps on the virtual route from London back to Windsor (just under 29 miles). I concluded my challenge with a ‘real’ walk along the 2.64 miles ‘Long Walk’ from the Windsor Castle Cambridge gate entrance to the Copper Horse statue of King George III.

We enjoyed the views and seeing the deer herd as we got closer to the large statue of King George III that is at the far end of the walk. I enjoyed the sense of achievement and reflected on Queen Elizabeth II as I took in the view from the elevated location before walking the pathway back to Windsor.

My medal didn’t arrive in time for it to be presented at the end of The LongWalk . When it arrived I had it presented in one of my favourite local places, Hodnet Hall Gardens which also has lovely tree lined walks.

All the proceeds of medal purchases were equally donated between selected Queen’s Animal Charities. I have made additional donations to two of them; RSPB and the Dogs Trust. I have also made a donation to The Queens Green Canopy which was an initiative to plant trees to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The initiative has now been extended so that trees can be planted in memoriam to honour Her Majesty.

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.