Part 4
Val Madine | A Moment Etched in the Fells
Five days walking the Cumbria Way, from Ulverston to Carlisle, brought together a group of women raising awareness and funds for Always Another Way, a West Cumbrian charity supporting mental health and wellbeing.
The August challenge was considerably tougher than anticipated, with relentless rain, demanding terrain and miles that seemed to stretch endlessly ahead.
But it also brought extraordinary friendship, laughter and moving encounters with people whose lives had been affected by mental health challenges and suicide.
Amongst a group of predominantly foreign marras was Val Madine, the only true West Cumbrian, although she has lived away from the area since she was 18.
Val had never undertaken anything quite like the Cumbria Way and, by her own admission, may have been in considerable denial about what lay ahead.
On the very first day, things took an alarming turn.
Val developed exercise-induced vasculitis, leaving her legs in such a state that there were genuine concerns about whether she would be able to continue.
But continue she did.
And in doing so, Val demonstrated a determination that perhaps even she hadn’t fully appreciated she possessed.
In this episode, Val joins Catherine Williamson to reflect on the experience and answer one of the Assa Marra questions.
What is the moment she remembers most acutely, and exactly where was she when it happened?
A conversation about determination, friendship, unexpected challenges and those moments that remain etched in our memories long after the journey has ended.
*****
Did you know that Assa Marra has become a community interest company?
We work specifically in West Cumbria to help young people develop confidence around communication.
To donate please click on the link.
https://www.givengain.com/project/Always-Another-Cumbria-Way-Team
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