Friday 22nd May
Friday 22nd a day greeted with rather mixed feelings. We had all enjoyed the trip so much it was rather sad it was coming to an end but at the same time we were very elated that we were about to complete the walk and prove the doubters wrong!
It had been decided to miss out the centre of Carlisle as nine mobility scooters travelling through the busy streets could be rather a problem so we headed to the west of the city to start the last leg. We had found a convenient stretch of road that appeared quite quiet where we could unload so started unloading - that was when what had seemed a quiet road became more like a motorway with so much traffic, including two wide loads carrying mobile homes! But most of the drivers were pleased to see us and there was much tooting of horns. Les was waiting here for us to arrive which was really nice.
The Last Leg
BBC Look North sent a reporter to film and interview us and this took place while the unloading was going on and once we set off she filmed our get-away. We had been expecting ITV Borders to be there too but they got held up in traffic and caught up with us a little later (right on an S bend over a bridge) which meant a stop while some interviewing and filming took place. Once off again the road twisted and turned between hedges and through villages until we arrived at the Greyhound pub for refreshments and as we were making much better time (we can really move fast on these machines) than expected we were able to have a relaxing break in the sun before the final spurt.
Mark from Forever Active, who had lent us the scooters met us at the pub and then went on to meet up with us at the finish. We set off again along country roads until turning a corner we saw the sea ahead of us the sight was beautiful - the weather on this last day had really turned up trumps with the sun shining brightly although it was rather windy. Then to our favourite cattle grids, the road went through a field where cows and sheep were grazing so after zooming over the grids more care was needed as we travelled through the field. Two more cattle grids were negotiated and back onto a country lane. We had made really good time and our estimated arrival time had been 3.30pm so we sat and waited until one of our roadies appeared to tell us the reception committee was waiting.
It's all downhill now ...... We're at Bowness
We were being met by The Mayor of Allerdale, Cllr Binky Armstrong and the Mayor of Maryport Cllr Peter Cross. We went through the lane that led to the banks and the gate marking the end of the trail and could see the reception group waiting for us. As we crossed the finishing line much to our surprise - and pleasure - we also saw some very familiar faces!!! Karen (manager of KMSTC) and her husband, Jill (KMSTC treasurer), Alan (Deputy chairman KMSTC) and Ann (fellow member KMSTC) among the party! They had travelled up from Canterbury just to join in the celebration with us on completing the epic journey.
Almost there We've made it!!!!!
We had DONE IT!!!!!! One of our Roadies supplied champagne and there was much laughing and quite a few tears that we had completed our quest. We had hopefully proved that by challenging ourselves and moving outside our comfort zone there is no end to the possibilities.
We did it Girls!!!! - Thank you Mark for everything
Mark Nicholls from Forever Active who had already helped so much by supplying the quingosport scooters presented us with a cheque for £2,000 for our charity. We cannot express our thanks to you Mark for all you have done enough.
We all retired to the Kings Arms where Janice (the landlady) had organised a buffet for us. Finally after much celebrating we wended our weary way back to the hotel to start the onerous task of packing. All elated and overjoyed that we had met the challenge we had set ourselves and certain it was one of the best holidays we had ever had and would remain in our memories for ever.
