A grandfather goes for a walk. A mere 1900 kms. Backwards through his life, from his home in the French Pyrenees to his very beginnings in Northern England. His aims – to walk for 70 days – to arrive on his 70th birthday.
2 years of training. 17.5 Million steps walked. Raising funds for research into pancreatic cancer, the deadly illness from which his first wife died.
Shortly before the start of Vic’s Big Walk he discovers that he is completely losing his central vision. It is impossible to read maps and walking on rough ground is very challenging.
There are further physical threats to success. Even before he reaches the starting line, his body gives him several sharp reminders that it is not entirely in agreement with undertaking such a task. Dragooned into action, it goes on strike halfway through France when he is unable to rise from his bed as the world spins around him for several minutes – is this the end? The hills of France add to the rigor of the task – some weeks his total climbs would have seen him to the summit of Everest.
Many characters are met on the way, with stimulating conversation and sometimes a donation. Even those who say, “Where are the Pyrenees?” are sent on their way with an appreciation of the awfulness of pancreatic cancer but still shake their heads about an old fool undertaking such a journey.
Before, during and after the walk proper, Vic’s stimulating blog entertained thousands of followers, many of who demanded a book. Well, here it is. Join Vic in his great adventure. And feel good about it – every purchase will help him to raise more funds to help conquer pancreatic cancer.
