The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Andrea Cameron is joined by friends and family as she completes her Severn in 7 challenge in Spalding town centre.
Photo: VNG230514-92
Spalding worker Andrea Cameron has completed a mammoth fundraising hike – the equivalent of seven marathons in seven days.
Andrea strolled back into the town on Friday – her 34th birthday – to complete the final leg of a 184-mile hike from Bristol.
She hopes to have raised more than £3,000 from the Severn in 7 challenge to share between charities.
During the walk, Andrea experienced the hottest day of the year and feared being struck by lightning during the storms which hit the country last Thursday – but there was never a question of her giving up.
“It’s not in my mentality,” said the account manager for flower firm Finlays at Low Fulney. “I haven’t really appreciated yet how much I did over the week.
“I got into a good routine each night of having a hot bath, a glass of wine and sleeping with my feet raised and I really felt good the next day.”
Andrea was accompanied by a host of guest walkers during the week, starting with husband Niall and their 14-year-old daughter Isabella.
Andrea’s brother Andrew Revill provided support in a car for all seven days.
Being told she was on the verge of obesity was the spark for Andrea to take up walking as a way of shedding pounds.
And in little more than a year she has gone from almost 13 stones to under ten.
She’s really got the bug for walking now and is eyeing a 106km walk around the Isle of Wight this summer and, ultimately, doing a Trans America challenge.
“I’m the sort of person who always needs to have something lined up”, she said.
Andrea’s sister Kirsty Oldfield said: “We’re extremely proud of her.”
The challenge raised money for Shelter, Independent Age, Rainbow Trust, Samaritans, Turning Point, Habitat for Humanity and International Rescue.
Andrea thanked Finlays, Bentleys and everybody who supported her. To make a donation visit www.severnin7.net
