“IT’S ALL for mum” says amazing Redditch woman Michelle Williams, who next Friday, June 11, embarks on an epic John o’ Groats to Land’s End journey – on foot.
Covering 891 miles in 21 days, Michelle – Shelley – from Church Hill, will average a foot blistering 42.5 miles a day.
It’s all for a great cause too – the Air Ambulance UK, and in memory of her mum Carol Lines, who sadly passed away last year, aged 72.
The entire trip is self funded and she’s set herself a target of raising £2,500 for the Air Ambulance – enough for one lifesaving flight for someone in mortal danger.
Joining her through Scotland will be her dad Keith with husband Ian taking over for the leg to Land’s End, but much of the time Shelley will be walking alone.
“I’m doing this for my mum – she was part of the Studley Darts League for many years and they raised a lot of money for charity – and she was also a big supporter of the Air Ambulance,” said Shelley.
It’s also a personal mission for Shelley too. Fighting a losing a battle with her weight she had bariatric surgery in 2018 – losing half her weight – and discovering a love for ultra challenges.
“I was over 20 stone and although I didn’t have any health issues I was heading towards them and I decided the NHS had given me my life back and I was not going to throw it away,” said Shelley, who works for the family firm JH Lines & Sons in Redditch.
Training has seen her walk all over the Midlands and last week she completed the London to Brighton 100km.
She swears by foot cream Gehwol and will have four pairs of New Balance trainers in the van for when they wear out.
Kitted out with a water bladder, she’ll be carrying a rucsac with goodies to snack on.
Overnight stays will be in hotels and B&Bs so she can get a good night’s rest.
“My husband is really supportive, although he thinks I’m mad,” said Shelley, aged 44.
“It’s been a long time planning, but I’m ready for it now.
“I’d love to raise £5,000 but I’m realistic and I know things aren’t easy for people right now, so I’d be happy with £2,500 the cost of one call out that might just save someone’s life.”
To support Shelley visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/michelle-williams-jogle
