June 7th: Tintagel to Padstow

Me, Chris, Pete & Bob

Day 8 - what a day!

The rain poured, drenching us for the majority of the day. Bob and I walked from the historic village of Tintagel to the picturesque harbour town of Port Isaac. Another challenging 3000 foot climb over 10 miles with more breathtaking Cornish coastline, albeit a little obscured by the relentless rain.

At Port Isaac we met up with Chris Pasquet and Pete Partridge, two wonderful friends who joined us for the next leg of our journey toward Padstow.

Again I was blessed with the company of three great friends and the four of us splashed, slipped and fought our way up and down the hills.

Over the last two days, we have traversed some of the highest cliffs in Cornwall, and boy do we feel it.

Today marking a milestone for me as I developed my first blister! Yippee!

After a long day of walking, we finally reached Padstow where we had booked in for a well-deserved meal at Rick Stein's renowned 'The Seafood Restaurant.' A real treat made all the better, as joining us for dinner were Theresa, Paul, and their daughter Rachael - who will all be walking with me tomorrow. Many fun nights had been had with Theresa, Paul, Anna and I in the past and it was a joy to see them. Theresa bringing with her supplies I had ben running low on for the walk and Rachael bringing her camera to capture some more footage. 

Rachael is responsible for the beautiful video made before I started this trek, explaining a little about me and Anna and why I’m doing this - for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice. For anyone who hasn’t already seen it, you can watch it here - filmed with a free afternoon and edited with a free morning, she worked hard to do this for me and I am ever so grateful. Check out Rachaels website here too - a very talented, creative, generous soul who is a testament to her parents. I continue to be so touched by her and the many others who have ‘mucked in,’ as Bob puts it, to help me pull off this epic, fundraising feat.

Paul, Rachael, Bob, Pete, Chris & me, with Theresa behind the camera

Having this circle of support and friendship around me tonight and during the walk so far has been vital in keeping my spirits up and easing the harder aspects of this expedition. We all wore our ‘For The Love of Anna’ polo shirts at Rick Stein’s and I felt like I had a team of love around me. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a perfect refuge from the damp, chilly weather outside. But I can’t quite shake feeling some trepidation knowing how much longer I have to go and that I will be alone for it…

Can't go without dessert!

I had an emotional end to the day as I read even more wonderful tributes to Anna on the JustGiving page from those who knew her and people we had met on the walk who have said such wonderful things having met me on the path. Their kind words and shared memories were incredibly touching, reminding me of the impact Anna had on so many lives.