So far, the weather has been very kind to me but this morning the sky was overcast and grey. The rain from earlier had dissipated but the wind did not, which helped to keep the temperature down during my walk. James, the Manager of the Eastbury Manor House came out to meet me prior to the commencement of the walk this morning along with some of his team, Mark and Josie. as did Torren, a member of Queens hospital charity unit, yesterday morning. Their good wishes and support were very welcome.
The walks have, so far, been somewhat mundane and uneventful which is not surprising as there is no through road to anywhere from here. You either live in this small area, are visiting someone or delivering something. The only real exception to this is the visitors to the Manor House on the days that it is open (see the website for details). Footfall increases, of course, at certain times of the day when the children go back to school. This is despite the fact that, in the 1930’s, a complete council housing estate was built around the Manor House. Unfortunately, the A13 main road now runs close to the south side blocking it off from a large part of Barking. I see the occasional neighbour to wave to as I go round plus Tony my neighbour from two doors away who verifies every morning that I have completed the walk. On the other hand, what is nice about the walk is that I find it very therapeutic and it allows me to drift into my own little world, much like I do when working in my garden, and the exercise is good for me also. Only days before I started my walks I was fitted with N.H.S. hearing aids, so I can now hear the birds coughing and many other sounds that I’d forgotten about. Thank you to the Audio unit. The walks allow me to think back to 2019, my Annus Horribilis year, and reminds me of all the reasons that I have undertaken this venture, not that I need much reminding. Perhaps I should start telling you my story of that year “My Cancer Journey” in my next blog. Please be assured the story contains no flashing lights nor any scenes of graphic sex and violence.
Some people have asked me about my crumpled and weatherbeaten hat. I bought this in 2011 in the “Flying Doctor’s” establishment in Alice Springs, Australia. It has been left behind, sat on and generally abused but it has been a faithful companion to me on my many travels across the world. It is my lucky charm and goes everywhere with me.
Thank you to all of you who have supported me with your contributions. Your donations will be well spent and will help many, many people and possibly save lives.
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