Posted on Wednesday 1st June 2011
powell walk
Robert and Andy Powell at the start of their walk
A radiographer at the Cumberland Infirmary has completed an incredible charity challenge – walking the 100-mile long South Downs Way in less than 40 hours.
Andy Powell tackled the gruelling walk with his eldest son Robert in May to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance, knocking four hours off the previous record.
Running from central Winchester to the western end of Eastbourne promenade, the South Downs Way is 100 miles long with 13,600 feet of ascent and descent. Most people take seven days walking or two to three days cycling to cover the route but Andy and Robert decided to try to break the record, walking non-stop without support.
Andy explained: “We were told that the record for walking the route was 42 hours so that was our target. The plan was to break it down into 12 mile sections, so at an average walking pace of 3mph, we would have a break for 15 minutes every four hours to eat, drink and tend to feet.
“In the end we took just 38 hours to complete the walk, despite the fact my son had fractured his big toe just a few days beforehand.”
Andy, 51, of Greysouthen, is hoping to raise £500 for the Great North Air Ambulance, while Robert, 28, who lives in London, is raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
To sponsor Andy, visit www.justgiving.com/Andy-100miles-in-42hrs.