London to Glastonbury: A Walk for Home, Hope and Awareness.
On Monday 25th May, on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year, four of us set off from the surgery — Dave, Gareth, Geoff and me — packs on, spirits high, and a long road ahead. Our mission was simple: walk from London to Glastonbury to raise money and awareness for people experiencing homelessness. What followed was 127 miles of heat, exhaustion, unexpected challenges… and extraordinary kindness.
The Reality of the Road Day one set the tone early. A quick meal deal stop at Sainsburys Lots Road turned into our first moment of humour when we returned to find Dave sprawled on the floor — not on the bench we’d left him on. He’d nodded off sitting up and ended up flat on the floor. Thankfully unhurt, and already part of the story. That night we slept in bushes by Kew Bridge — my hammock finally getting its moment — before being attended to by police responding to reports of “fire and drug taking.” In reality, we were just four exhausted walkers trying to rest.
By Day 2, we’d acquired a B and M shopping trolley (Dave’s new best friend), which helped carry supplies — though not without attracting plenty of beeping horns along a dual carraige. The heat quickly became serious. By Runnymede, Geoff was struggling with dehydration and heatstroke. We made the difficult but right decision to get him safely into a cab back to London. Losing one of the team so early hit hard. Finding Strength — and Kindness — Along the Way That evening, on the outskirts of Reading, we found a quiet spot by the canal. We cooked potatoes in a kettle, added beans and cheese, and watched the sunset in silence. After a brutal day, it felt like peace. Moments like this kept us going, I was ready to throw the towel in!
On Day 3, we met Christine in The Kintbury Arms. When Daves trolley broke, she didn’t hesitate — running to her car and returning with WD‑40, gaffer tape and cable ties. She got us moving again without a second thought. A stranger, helping without question. She wouldn’t be the last. We met Yas, living on a canal boat, who shared her story — raw, honest, and a stark reminder of how marginalised life can be for those without stable housing. Yet she still gave to us. We met people who gave water, food, time, encouragement. And yes — we also met people who turned us away for simply asking for water. Both sides of humanity, side by side.
Pushing Through the Hardest Miles By Day 5 and 6, the walk became something else entirely. The heat. The distance. The weight we carried — physically and emotionally. At one point, even Dave (62 and still outpacing us most of the time) hit a wall, stamping his feet in frustration before powering ahead. Trowbridge, Rode, then the long, brutal push into Frome — hills that felt endless. We reached Frome just in time for a promised pint of cider and a football match — small things that felt huge after days on the road. There, yet again, kindness found us. Strangers bought us dinner and offered us a place to stay. “Though to be fair,” we laughed, “Dave would have eaten them out of stock.” That night was one of the hardest — cold, restless, sleeping rough on uneven ground.
Being Heard By Day 7, we reached Shepton Mallet. We were exhausted — but something important happened. We met people who listened. Really listened. They heard why we were walking — not just the miles, but the message. Because this walk wasn’t just about distance. It was about highlighting: The reality of homelessness The barriers people face accessing healthcare, support and decent housing. The importance of early intervention, compassion, and community For the first time, it felt like those conversations might lead somewhere meaningful.
A Moment We Will Never Forget
That final night, sleeping outside a Tesco, something happened that will stay with us forever. Four children approached us. They asked: “Are you homeless? Do you want to come home with me?” They staked donuts and biscuits next to each of us and made sure we had water. No judgement. No hesitation. Just kindness and innocence. Before they left a car came around the corner, family/friends keeping an eye. I commented what lovely children they all were. The response “They can be little shits too!” And we laughed. This memory will stay with us — that instinctive kindness that exists before the world teaches you otherwise.
The Final Push At 4am, we set off for the final stretch. And then, around a bend, we saw it: Glastonbury Tor. In that moment, everything hit at once. Exhaustion. Pride. Emotion. We’d done it. 127 miles. Together.
Why We Walked
For us, this was never just about completing a challenge. It was about: Raising funds to support people experiencing homelessness to live in decent, safe, clean, drug free homes. Amplifying voices that often go unheard Shining a light on the realities behind the statistics Showing what community, compassion and human kindness can look like
How You Can Help
If you’ve read this far, you’ve already walked part of this journey with us. If you’re able to donate — every contribution, no matter how small — helps us continue this work and support those who need it most. And if you can’t donate, please share. Because awareness matters.
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