A few years ago, Caroline and I went to spend the day in Winchester. Winchester is a particular favourite of mine as I went to college there and it was the home of a special friend of Caroline named “Charlie.” Caroline had not seen Charlie for a number of years and wondered if she might see her on the off chance when we visited Winchester. Sure enough there we were sitting on a bench right outside the Cathedral when someone looking like Charlie walked by- Caroline exclaimed “I think that’s Charlie” – “Go on then – go and see” I encouraged and sure enough it was Charlie. It was so wonderful to see them embrace after so many years of not seeing each other. From that moment on Caroline and Charlie were in touch just about every single day.

I will continue, using Caroline’s own words, for what becomes a tragic story.

Tragically my very dear friend Charlie lost her 25-year battle with Anorexia and died in November of last year. She was 39 years old.

After her death her family set up a memorial fund which has, so far, raised £25,000. Her family, working in association with leading eating disorder charity “Beat” have decided to use the money to provide training for Primary school teachers to help them spot the early warning signs of eating disorders in children.

Eating disorders are notoriously difficult to treat but the earlier a sufferer receives help the more successful treatment is likely to be. Beginning in Autumn this year the training will take place as a pilot in the 500+ Primary schools in Hampshire.

In memory of Charlie and in support of this “Beat” initiative I will be walking 100k over 25 days aiming to finish on July 21st- what would have been Charlie’s 40th birthday. This may not sound like a great distance but those who know my personal circumstances will appreciate what a challenge it will be.

So please, please, please consider donating to Charlie’s memory walk fund so that children who display signs of this life-taking condition can receive early, potentially life-saving support.
You can donate through:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Charliesimmsmemorialfund?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=Charliesimmsmemorialfund&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=b49b0d7b8d864f349078c60a389d69a9&fbclid=IwAR397cVXhtxEfbDX6tfViKylz_NNjTBkiZY2vxXduAhXCWUKd4iDARIU3zg

PS

You may wonder why Caroline says “This may not sound like a great distance but those who know my personal circumstances will appreciate what a challenge it will be.” Well, I can explain that it is a great challenge because Caroline has had 6 operations on her knee after suffering Anterior Cruciate Ligament damage – she is still unable to run and walking is both difficult and painful.

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