On Friday 6th June two Arc Energy teams set out to walk 40 miles of the Cotswold Way in aid of Action Medical Research for Children. Arc Energy walkers were Steve (Fletch) Fletcher, Tom Majewski, Aron Jordan and Bryce Jordan, with their support driver Arthur Naylor. Arc Energy Too walkers were Cliff Hall, Lynne Bradley and Don Andrew with support driver Rosemary Robinson and chief tea-maker Alan Robinson. The teams represented directors, project management, production, sales, finance and maintenance staff.
The teams assembled in Dursley as it got dark and were given instructions. Some vital refreshment was taken in the bar before the walkers set off at midnight. The first stage was from Dursley Sports Centre to Coaly Peak and, by that time, the 30 teams were already separating into front, middle and tail walkers, with the two Arc Energy Resources teams finding themselves somewhere in the middle. It was dry and warm and the teams grabbed some water and kept going. Alan and Rosemary met the teams mid-way between the checkpoints and they were keeping a good pace in good spirits.
The second checkpoint was at Cripplegate on the edge of Haresfield Beacon, where teams were ready for a hot drink and a snack. The Cotswold Way is not an easy walk, with steep hills and lots of mud as well as a reasonable pace to be kept up for the Plod as the teams made their way to Crickley Hill, the long way round which, at 9.6 miles, was the longest stretch. The teams were now about ½ hour apart and were really feeling the effects. They were egging each other on and insisting they were not going to give up under any circumstances. As they arrived at Crickley Hill the walkers suffered a bout of torrential rain and were all thoroughly soaked. Hot drinks were brewed in a shelter and those who were able to get their boots off checked their blisters and everyone got into dry socks & t-shirts and set off on the next leg. By now, the support team was expecting the walkers to be demoralised, or at least grumpy, but happily they were as determined as ever.
The walkers stopped at Severn Springs for only a short while and by now everyone including the support drivers, were suffering from lack of sleep. Some team members decided to go as quickly as possible and at one point they ran - laughing at the same time - as they said it was less painful than walking. Others just walked along determined but relaxed, and talking to take their minds off walking.
The final few miles to Cleeve Hill Golf Club contained the steepest of the hills up to the highest point in the county. The path was not too obvious so many walkers were straying and walking further than necessary. The support drivers waited at the golf club beside the buffet, but no one felt they could eat until the teams were in.
Some teams had finished hours before, but some still had hours to wait until the tail-enders arrived! The first Arc Energy Resources team to finish was Tom and Fletch. The remaining team arrived about half an hour later and were welcomed with wild applause as they collected their medals and champagne. The walk and the experience were described as spectacular and emotional and several of the walkers have said they would do it again – but not yet!
Thanks go to the Arc Energy Resources walkers and of course, to the support drivers. Thanks also to everyone who sponsored them (you can still sponsor), everyone who made cakes and bought cakes to fund raise, and everyone who organised and took part in the fundraising.
