Clashnessie grandmother's John O’Groats to Land’s End walk raises almost £3000 for heart charity
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A Sutherland grandmother has fulfilled a lifelong ambition to walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End – raising almost £3000 for life-saving research into heart and circulatory diseases.
Vanessa Ling (68), of Clashnessie, took just 74 days to complete her 1162-mile route, with only 11 rest days along the way.
She walked on her own apart from three days when she was joined by her son, her niece and a family friend.
Vanessa is keen to thank all those who supported her and donated money to her chosen charity, the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
“To be honest, when I first set off, I wasn’t really sure if I would be able to complete it,” said Vanessa, who has three grandchildren. “But I am very determined when I set my mind to something.
"There were days when I did get tired – particularly in the cold at the beginning, the heat later on and carrying all the camping things in the backpack – but nothing that stopped me for more than a day at a time. I met some lovely people on the way, many of whom sponsored me, and I saw some fantastic sights.”
Vanessa, who has microvascular angina, documented her journey on Facebook with many people describing her efforts as inspirational.
“Having finished, I’m still not sure how I feel,” she said. “I think it will probably take me months to process it all.
"Some people have said I’m an inspiration and amazing. But I don’t think I’m amazing – just stubborn and unwilling to give up on something I've started.
"I would like to thank all those who supported me along the way and who gave so generously to the BHF. They are the real heroes.”
The BHF is the largest independent funder of research into heart and circulatory diseases in the UK, supporting more than 300 research staff across Scotland.
This year marks the foundation’s 60th birthday and over the years it has been instrumental in numerous life-saving discoveries.
Like other charities it has been badly affected by the pandemic, however. Funding for new research in 2020/21 had to be cut in half and the BHF says it needs the support of the public now more than ever.
James Jopling, head of BHF Scotland, said: “It is wonderful to have Vanessa’s support, and huge congratulations to her for what is a fantastic achievement.
"Vanessa’s fundraising will help us continue to develop life-changing science. Since the BHF was established, our research and campaigning have contributed to the annual number of people dying from heart and circulatory diseases in this country falling by half.
"This is something we can be extremely proud of. But we want to do more and, with the public’s help and generosity, we are determined to do so.”
People can still donate to Vanessa’s challenge at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/VanessaLingJOGLE
