Rehydration Therapy

A 179 miles. 397,142 steps. Through horizontal rain, high winds, sunshine, midge territory; over hill, tretcherous terrain, bog land and concrete. We endured challenges with the weather, lack of food and amenities. Problems caused by Covid regarding accommodation that resulted in a nightmare day 3. Suffered blisters, aching feet, broken knees, sore shoulders and dodgy guts.

We walked along lochs, canals, through pine forests and over moors. Conquered the Devil’s Staircase and the low road between Inversnaid and Beinglas. We have met some great people along the way that have made the experience, that more complete.

We have seen sights few have seen and climbed hills few have ventured. Walked aged old roads and crossed historic battles fields. Contended with stags and made friends with a pig.

We have burnt 1000s of calories and perspirated litres of sweat. So there is only one tried and tested method to restore ourselves; Rehydration Therapy aka drinking in the pub. Starting at the Castle Tavern, opposite the GGW finish line.

If we knew, what we know now, at the start of the trek, we would have booked extra time off and do it all in reverse! A memorable experience.

The following pictures are from our little walk around Inverness this morning.

As you all know, we’ve done this challenge for Prostate Cancer UK, at writing this post it stands at £1,523. I’ll end the blog for this adventure with a message my dad made on Facebook before setting off.

“I am in training for a 170-mile hike for charity with my son Stuart in Scotland, walking from just outside Glasgow to Inverness, via Fort William. We leave Caverswall on Bank Holiday Monday and envisage it will take us approximately two weeks to complete. We will be wild camping for most of this time.

If you want to know the reason why, read on.
My journey started 18 months ago when my sister pestered me to have a PSA test. After some debate with her, I agreed. What did I have to lose? as I told my sister: I wasn’t that old, I was fighting fit, I had no symptoms and anyway I had been lucky with my health and also, prostate cancer happens to other people, doesn’t it!

WELL HOW WRONG WAS I?

On the day of the blood test which I arranged to stop my sister pestering me! I had a phone call from the surgery to say they had found an anomaly in my blood sample and I needed to see the Doctor ASAP. To cut a long story short this is where my relationship with prostate cancer began.

This September it is 12 months since I had major robotic surgery to remove my prostate gland. In truth it has taken all that time for me to get back to the near fitness I had before, and the doctors are happy with my progress. If it wasn’t for the research and advancement in technology sponsored by Prostate Cancer UK from charitable donations from ordinary people, plus the skill and dedication and support of the surgeons, doctors, nurses and staff of the NHS, along with the support of family and friends , I would be on the road to a darker place I’m sure.

I would urge the families of all men to encourage them to ask for a PSA test from their doctor even if, like me they don’t think they have symptoms. Potentially this simple action could save and extend their loved ones life.

About 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives (Prostate Cancer UK)
If you would like to follow our progress on the hike, our travel blog is below. You will also find the link to our sponsorship page for the Prostate Cancer UK charity if you feel you would like to donate. If not, please buy a prostate cancer UK pin badge whenever you see one for sale, to promote Prostate Cancer awareness. Also wear it with pride, in honour of those who may have lost the fight, those who have fought, are fighting, or those yet to fight the disease.

Thank you for taking time to read this.
Paul”

I need not say more.