One Step at a Time: How a 50km Charity Walk became a journey about Purpose and Perseverance.
- Long Covid Kids
- 17 minutes ago
- 4 min read
At Long Covid Kids, we see every day the resilience it takes for children and young people living with Long Covid to keep going when the road ahead can feel endless. Recently, two incredible supporters, Andrew and Kally, embodied that same spirit in a challenge that tested their limits — a 50-kilometre hike across the Gower Peninsula in Wales in a single day to raise vital funds and awareness
Andrew and Kally share their fundraising story below.
We set out on a challenge that both excited and intimidated us: completing a 50-kilometre hike in a single day, all to raise funds for a cause close to our hearts. It wasn’t just about the distance. It was about doing something that challenged us a little (okay, a lot), something that would test our limits physically and mentally, and ultimately, something that could make a real difference for others. Spoiler alert: I made it to the finish line. But the lessons I gained along the way were the real reward, and that’s the story I want to share.
When I first heard about the charity hike, I felt an immediate pull. The organisation
we were raising funds for supports parents, carers of young people with Long Covid,
and their work has been our anchor of support.
"Committing to 50km on foot felt symbolic. Life can be long and hard and full of uphill battles just like that trail. But we keep going because we believe in something bigger than ourselves. I decided this hike would be my way of showing up." said Kally
The Preparation
I won’t lie the idea of walking for 10–12 hours straight seemed almost ridiculous at
first. We were not long-distance hikers. We both enjoyed weekend walks
and short trails, not gruelling, dawn-to-dusk slogs. Training meant early mornings, sore legs, and carving time out of a busy schedule to prepare. But with every practice hike, we gained confidence. We started to trust our body more and began to believe that we might actually be able to do this.
Still, doubts lingered. Would we injure ourselves halfway through? What if we hit a
wall mentally and couldn’t push through? But we reminded ourselves: this wasn’t
about us, it was about raising awareness, raising funds, and raising the bar on what
we thought we could handle.
The Hike
The day of the hike arrived, early, chilly, and buzzing with nervous energy. Hundreds
of us set off together, each with our own reasons for being there, but united by a
shared goal.
The first 10km flew by. Spirits were high, conversations flowed, and the scenery was
stunning. But by the halfway point, things got real, feet ached, muscles stiffened,
energy dipped, that’s when the mental game began.
"I remember a stretch between kilometre 32 and 38 that nearly broke me. Everything hurt, I had a very painful blister on the sole of my left foot. The finish line felt impossibly far, my inner critic whispered, You’ve done enough, no shame in stopping." said Kally
But then I thought of why I was doing this, I thought of our daughter having been
severely ill for the past 3.5 years and how she does not get to choose when the pain
stops. She pushes through much worse every single day.
So, I took one more step, then another and another. Eventually, I started to see signs of the final stretch. Other hikers cheered each other on. Strangers became teammates. And as I crossed that finish line, with tears in my eyes and blisters on my feet, I felt a mix of exhaustion, pride, and overwhelming gratitude.
What We Learned Together
That 50km hike taught us more than any book or podcast ever could.
We learned that discomfort is temporary, but purpose is powerful.
We learned that we’re all capable of far more than we think, especially when we stop
walking for ourselves and start walking for something greater.
"We learned that community matters, everyone who donated to the cause made every painful step worth it." said Kally.
A Lasting Impact
If there’s something you’ve been thinking about doing something bold, something
hard, something meaningful, let this be your sign: go for it. You don’t have to be an ultra-athlete. You just take the first step. Whether it’s a hike, a fundraiser, a passion project, or a personal goal, remember, it’s not about how fast you go, it’s about why you start, and the courage to keep going when it gets tough. One step at a time, you’ll get there!
"Thank you to everyone who supported us on this journey, donated to the cause, and believed in us. Together, we raised an incredible sum of £3,500.00, but more than that, we raised hope for Long Covid Kids. And that, I believe, is worth every blister." said Kally after the event.
On behalf of everyone at Long Covid Kids, we want to say a huge thank you to Andrew and Kally for taking on this personal challenge and their incredible fundraising efforts. Taking on a 50k hike in just one day is no small challenge — it takes determination, resilience and a big heart.
Your hard work and generosity will directly help us continue our mission to support children and young people living with Long Covid, continue our advocacy and fund vital resources for young people, their families and caregivers. Every step you took and every pound you raised will make a real difference in their lives.
Please see their fundraising page here, where you can read more:
If you are interested in fundraising to help raise money and awareness then please consider supporting Long Covid Kids. Get in touch to tell us so that we can thank you and also help raise awareness by sharing on our social media, newsletters and website.
