downsmail.co.uk
Epicwalk ‘brought new meaning to life’
NINE hundred and twenty-nine miles, two pairs of walking boots, and only yourself for company for a month – it makes you think. And that’s exactly why Michael Lawrence decided to walk from Lands End to John O’Groats. Back at work, running the Bearsted and Barming Family Fu- neral Service, the 57-year-old di- vorcee told the Downs Mail: “Itwas the most exciting adventure of my life.” He added: “The best part of the journeywas the wonderful people I met along the way, including some South Korean lads I shared lunch with; cyclists fromMedway I met on Rannoch Moor, and lots of live- stock.” The prettiest place he passed was
St Tudy in Cornwall; the highest, fromWindermere and over the fells; his hottest daywas in Lockerbie and the most peaceful place was a very, very wet 14-mile walk from the Blackwater Hostel in Kinlochleven to FortWilliam. Michael added: “The most spec-
Highlands, I was frightened half to death crossing the two-mile Dornoch Bridge in very high winds, withA9 traffic at the side of me.” Although he was lonely at times, Michael said he had returned re- freshed and motivated to take the rest of his life in his stride. “Iknowthere is somuchmeaning
Michael Lawrence at his destination
tacular viewwas at 1,500ft, on Creag Dhearg, beside Loch Ness and my most longed-for moment was the sight of a small figure beside the John O’Groats marker post,waiting for me at the end.” Rain, sunshine, a saturated phone,
a leaking rucksack and a haunted hotelwere just some of the moments that made hiswalk memorable. “As well as a spooky hotel in the
www.directorshairandbeauty.co.uk 01622 738772
Late night Thurs
in life for those willing to make ‘the journey’ with an open mind and love in their heart.” While the walk was a personal challenge, Michael was also raising money for The Blackthorn Trust in Maidstone and has so far made more than £3,500. He said: “I will forever be grateful
I had the chance to do it, thanks to my lovely staff and my amazing partner Shirley.” His efforts have been rewarded by
TheWeald of Kent Rotary Club, of which he is a member. President Richard Shersby presented him with a Paul Harris award – the fourth time it has been given in 30 years. Michael said: “I was speechless. It’s my Rotary highlight.”
News Rail group to
call for action RAIL travellers from Bearsted are forming a passenger group. Following a run of delays, fare
hikes and overcrowding on South- eastern services into London, the group of four has decided to take action in the hope that a co-ordi- nated approach will help achieve improvements. The group met senior manage-
ment from the rail company where it became apparent that stations with passenger groups had seen a vast improvement in services and their opinions had been considered when timetables had been revised. The management also said fares
from Bearstedwere disproportion- ately high compared with other sta- tions equidistant from London, and admitted they believed it to be un- achievable to run 100% of their services on time. Group member Helen Judges
said: “The clear message was that ‘people power’ can work, with pas- senger groups meeting regularly with senior members of Southeast- ern staff to voice their concerns. “These groups also lobby coun-
cillors and MPs.” Anyone who would like tojoin
the group should email Helen Judges -
hjjudges@gmail.com.
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