Congratulations to Karen Elliott who has completed a remarkable 94-mile journey along the Kennet and Avon Canal in memory of her father, raising more than £4,300 for the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal United Hospital, Bath.
Karen set herself the challenge of walking from Kennet Mouth in Reading to the Neptune Statue in Bristol, exactly one year after losing her dad. Over seven days, she covered the length of the canal, supported by family and friends who joined her along the way.
Despite months of training, the challenge quickly tested her determination. The opening day brought searing temperatures, several wrong turns and unexpected extra miles, while blisters and a painful knee injury threatened to end the challenge before it had really begun.
Rather than give up, Karen adapted. Some sections were completed by bike to allow her knee to recover, enabling her to continue the journey and ultimately reach Bristol. “I was disappointed that things didn’t go exactly to plan, but I realised completing the challenge was more important than how I got there,” she said.
Throughout the week, Karen was encouraged by an incredible network of family, friends and supporters. Walking companions kept her motivated, drivers transported her to and from each day’s start and finish points, and a WhatsApp group followed her live location, offering constant encouragement.
Along the route, she experienced countless acts of kindness, from strangers making donations after hearing her story to friends waiting with homemade cake at the end of difficult days.
The challenge also became an opportunity to reflect on memories of her father, with quiet moments along the towpath providing time to think about him and the reason she had set herself such an ambitious goal.
After travelling through two counties, passing around 230 bridges and 104 locks, Karen finally arrived at the Neptune Statue in Bristol surrounded by her two daughters and their partners.
“It felt surreal when I finished,” she said. “After months of training and a week focused entirely on the challenge, it suddenly felt strange for it to be over. But I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved and of the money raised in my Dad’s memory.”
Looking back, Karen says the experience taught her that endurance challenges are about far more than physical fitness.
“I couldn’t have done it without the people around me. Every person who walked, cycled, drove, donated or sent a message played a part in getting me to the finish.”
The challenge has raised over £4,300 for the RUH Bath ICU, helping to support the department that cared for her Dad and creating a lasting tribute to his memory.
Karen recorded the epic journey as a blog which you can read by clicking here.
Pictured below are some highlights from Karen’s journey:
Karen pictured with her Dad
