Last weekend a group of valiant walkers set off from University Church in Oxford led by their ever-youthful mascot Dylan the Sheep heading in the direction of Cambridge. Yes, the Varsity March show was (briefly) in town again.
This annual fundraising event has taken place over a number of years and over that time raised hundreds of pounds in support of the Gatehouse and Jimmy's, another homeless support charity in Cambridge. Each year the walkers yomp on through day and night regardless of the weather to complete the 130km route (that's 81 miles in old money).
This year they had to contend with high heat and humidity followed by a massive downpour during a thunderstorm. Despite that three of the walkers managed a commendable 37km to Aylesbury, another had to drop out after just over 100km, and six people (plus one sheep) completed the whole course. I should point out, however, that Dylan the Sheep did cheat a bit by getting carried round the course!
A huge thank you and well done to everybody who took part. Your magnificent efforts are much appreciated by everyone in the Gatehouse community.
The walk may already have taken place, and weary limbs are in recovery but their fundraising page on JustGiving is still open so its not too late to show your support for these worthy warriors and for the Gatehouse by adding a donation now.