When Richard Game from Cressive DX, a Corporate Ambassador of Guildford Philanthropy, suggested undertaking a 21.5 mile walk up and down the Surrey Hills to mark the start of British Wine Week and raise money for Guildford Philanthropy, I thought it was an excellent idea.
He then suggested I accompany him, and suddenly the idea did not seem so great. However, when he elaborated saying the idea was to take in the five vineyards of the Surrey Hills (and a brewery too) I started to warm to the task.
With only four weeks to prepare (for the walking not the drinking) and having not walked any distance in recent times, I started both a dietary and exercise routine and also started fund-raising.
I think most of the donations came from people who found the thought of me trying to plod up and down the Surrey Hills quite amusing as well as appreciating the reason for undertaking the challenge.
We started at Greyfriars Vineyard and walked to Chilworth Manor Vineyard, then Albury Vineyard, a little detour via the Tillingbourne Brewery before on to High Clandon Vineyard before the final long trey to Denbies Vineyard.
At each vineyard we were met with open arms and a delicious glass of wine which almost took my mind off my aching limbs.
However, with the walk completed, and together with the match-funding from Guildford Borough Council over £7,500 raised for Guildford Philanthropy it was a very worthwhile exercise.
Huge thanks go to Richard for suggesting the walk and for helping me round.
Also, a massive thank you to everyone who donated and please do join us on the wine walk next year!
