Natasha Lafferty

Nationwide Walk 50K in September

My Activity Tracking

96
kms

My target 50 kms

Walk 50K in September

I’m taking part in this challenge to support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. They ensure The Royal Marsden’s world-leading nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world.

By donating to my page, you’re helping to make a significant difference to the lives of cancer patients and their loved ones. Please support me today.

My Achievements

Received First Donation

Added Blog Post

Has Created Team Page

Self Donated

Reached Fitness Target

Uploaded Profile Pic

Has Shared Fundraising Page

Received 5 Donations

Reached 50% of Fundraising Target

Reached Goal

My Updates

The overripe Dilemma

Thursday 2nd Oct
Its been one of those weeks. the rain is coming down with a relentless, determined patter and my grand plans of weekend walks? utterly washed out. 
But you know what they say about lemons and lemonade. Well, my version is: when your're stuck at home with overripe fruit make banana bread.
If you only use your air-fryer for reheating or making frozen chips, you are seriously missing out! Its a game changer for small batch baking

Day 7 - Back on your feet/ Hidden destination

Tuesday 16th Sep
My weekend role became that of a gentle coach and cheerleader, for my father who was recovering from knee surgery. 
Its hard to see someone so active and independent become so  reliant on others is tough on all of us .
As life shifted into a new rhythm of pain management, physical therapy and the slow and delicate work of recovery, having him being able to bend his knee more and stand without assistance is a small victory worth celebrating.
In afternoon, we were all need of some fresh air and a stretch we drove to Lowick village to which we discovered has been made famous by Drayton House which was used in the movie: Saltburn.
It remains a private home and is not open for tours, there are public footpaths running nearby, getting onto the property itself is not permitted.

Day 6 - Walks, Wiggles and Wild foraging with Lola

Tuesday 16th Sep
I was asked to look after the sausage dog Lola for a weekend, I pictured cozy nights in on the sofa and a few gentle strolls around the park. What I didn't expect was our quiet walks to transform into full-blown foraging expedtion. 
We started our walk at West Hunsbury Country Park a regular place to visit for dog walkers but going off the usual path and down the old railway line, we discovered a hidden gem of wild fruits.
This is the first time I have seen wild plums, picking only a few to take home for us to continue our walk a little further to only stumble upon apple trees and blackberry bushes all untouched, We took only what we could carry which was just enough to make a perfect crumble.
Its a reminder that sometimes that the most memorable adventures are the ones you don't plan for, all thanks to a very special sausage dog. 

Day 4 & 5 - the steps didn't happen

Thursday 11th Sep
We've all been there. You get to your desk in the morning, coffee in hand, ready to tackle the day. You open your laptop and before you know it, you're in the zone.
Emails are flying, deadlines are looming, and your to-do list seems to be growing by the minute. You look up, and suddenly, the sun is setting, and you realise you haven't move from your chair.
I was having one of those days. My goal is hit a certain number steps each day, and I'm usually pretty good about it. I'll take walk during lunch, do a quick lap around the office to clear my head, or even just stand up to stretch every hour. But, those days just swallowed me whole.
The only steps I logged were from my desk to the coffee shop for a refill, my fitness tracker was probably laughing at me, or at the very least. judging me.
It's easy to feel defeated when this happens. You have these goals, and you want to be active, but demands of work can make it feel impossible. Instead of beating myslef up, I'm trying to look at it differently. Some days are just going to be like this, and that's okay. The key is to not let a super busy day derail the rest of your week.  

Day 3 - Return to work/Back to the office

Wednesday 3rd Sep
Returned to the office after the school holiday can be tough transaction, especially when the weather doesn't cooperate with a refreshing outdoor break. The prospect of an afternoon stroll to clear your head or stretch your legs can be dampened, quite literally, by a steady downpour.

When the rain keeps you indoors, you can still find ways to get a change of scenery and a bit of movement. Instead of a walk around the block, make the most of your indoor enviroment.

A simple stroll around the office, wander the hallways, you might notice details you usually overlook. Perhaps you'll spot a new piece of art on a wall, an interesting plant in a common area, project on colleagues desk or take a moment to chat or grab a drink with a co-worker you haven't seen in while.

This indoor exploration can be a quiet, low-key way to reset your focus and still continue with your walking challenge.

Day 2 - Rainy day

Wednesday 3rd Sep
Spent a relaxing morning with the family indoors as the rain came down. After a bit of housework we made breakfast together and cozied up on the sofa to read and watch a film. The goal of the morning was to connect and enjoy each other's company in a low-key peaceful manner.
After a calm morning, the afternoon was all about letting the kid burn off some energy at the local soft play centre. This offers a chance for our kid to interact with others his age and play cooperatively with new friends.
This provided us adults a chance to relax, have a coffee and chat with other grown-ups giving us a short break before heading home.

The 1st day of the Challenge

Wednesday 3rd Sep
Embarking on a 50k walking challeange is a fantastic way to explore the villages of the Cotswolds.
The Cotswold have many beautiful villages, each with its own unique character.

We started in Tewkesbury known for its medieval architecture  and abbey church. We enjoyed a lesiurely stroll along the riverside where we watched boating, fishing and paddleboarding.

Remember, the goal of a walking challenge is not just to complete the distance, but also to enjoy the journey. Take your time, appreciate the scenery and explore the unique UK history.

Thank you to my Sponsors

£37.47

Tamara Cross

Go girl

£21.84

Anonymous

£16.56

Chez And Fran

Good luck Tashy! Xx

£11.33

Liana Brewster

Gottta love a charro plod. Well done Tasha x

£11.33

Clare Waite

Really well done Tash! Not far to go now! xx