In Spring 2017 Jonathan Smith, from St Neots, started a 100 mile coastal trek from Hunstanton to Lowestoft, the most easterly point in Great Britain. Jonathan’s epic walk was to raise money for the dreamdrops charity and Holly children’s ward run by Cambridgeshire Community Service NHS Trust.

Jonthan’s son was taken very ill after two weeks of having an everyday cold, followed by sinusitis.  Jonathan said: “My son was diagnosed with orbital cellulitis putting him at high risk of blood poisoning, losing his eye or hearing or, even worse, meningitis. 

"After two weeks of intensive drug treatment, he thankfully recovered. Having spent every day and night by his side and feeling totally helpless, I decided to raise money to buy more toys, computers and iPads having seen how those already on Holly ward provided a welcome distraction, enabling the kids to just be children again, irrespective of their illness or condition.”

Jonathan planned to walk nearly 100 miles continuously, day and night but after 56 km his walk was cut short at Sheringham due to a reoccurrence of a back injury.  After extensive physiotherapy to cope with his chronic back condition Jonathan embarked on the remaining 80km of his route on 21 June.  After staying in Sheringham overnight Jonathan started the final leg at 3am, aiming to finish by 9pm that night. 

Jonathan said: “The night before the walk was terrible with very high winds rocking the caravan from side to side. I left after 3am and had to take it steady as the wind was really strong walking along the open cliff top.

“But after a full day of trekking through different terrains and beautiful scenery I completed the walk at 10pm. This was a huge challenge for me and one that has had its ups and downs but I am pleased to have been able to raise money for this worthy charity.”

Anne-Marie Hamilton, chairman of dreamdrops said; “Jonathan showed real grit and determination as part of his walk was over soft sand dunes, which must have been hard to walk on, when you are already feeling exhausted. 

“It has taken real courage to go back to where you had to leave off, in order to complete the challenge that he set himself as this was over some desolate and isolated areas.  He has raised a fantastic £1,500 through his walks and his night trek up Snowdon.  We cannot thank him enough for his continued efforts in raising money for dreamdrops.”

Jonathan added: “I really cannot thank the doctors and nurses enough for all they did for our family. Whilst the challenges I have faced have been daunting, raising funds is incredibly rewarding and I’d encourage others to do so; it doesn’t have to involve physical challenges, just donating whatever you can afford makes a difference.  It’s great to see that the money raised is being used to benefit the children on the ward.”

 If you would like to donate to Jonathan’s fund-raising coastal walk visit: https://www.justgiving.com/Jonathan-Smith57 or for more information about our charity dreamdrops please visit: http://dreamdropschildrenscharity.org or email dreamdrops.dreamdrops@nhs.net.