Sara Takes on The Wall

Sara Himsworth, P+HS Architects' Visual Communications Lead has completed an incredible challenge! Sara regularly comes up with active challenges for her work colleagues - we've been (virtually) round the world - running, walking, skiing, swimming and cycling in aid of homeless charities, we've undertaken a virtual relay and walked miles in support of Parkinson's Disease.

But this weekend Sara completed a personal challenge, something that she started training for to give herself a focus over lockdown. And what a challenge it was!
Over the weekend, Sara completed 'The Wall' (as in Hadrian's), all 70 miles of it. Starting from Carlisle Castle at 06:45 on Saturday morning, Sara ran, climbed and walked in just over 17 hours to cross the finish line in Baltic Square, Newcastle around midnight. An amazing achievement!

Sara said "The Wall was an event I heard of a few years back, I followed it throughout the day watching as participants checked through the various pit stops. I thought it was something I would love to do at some point in my life but I didn’t have the belief to sign up and commit the time to train.

During lockdown one, I realized that personally I needed a challenge, something to aim for and a personal focus, also my 40th birthday was just around the corner and I really wanted to remember doing something special, that would make my family and especially my children, proud.

I signed up without really telling anyone in my family, it was only recently I told my sister and parents. After 15 months of preparation I crossed the start line on Saturday, not knowing how it might turn out; it was such a long way and I couldn't be sure how I might feel as the miles went by.

Fortunately everything went well. I had the best day with so many lovely memories and the scenery was fantastic. I’ve never witnessed such determination from a broad range of people, it was literally run, walk or crawl, just get yourself across the finish line. So lockdown did offer something positive, it helped me achieve this goal and I loved every one of the 136,000 steps!"

Sara is still raising funds for Parkinson's, so if you'd like to donate to her Just Giving page in recognition of this amazing achievement, or just to support a good cause, you can do so at Sara's Just Giving page

Sara you are an inspiration: well done and we'll forgive you if you are a bit weary this week!