Earlier this year, APD’s software engineer, Martin raised money and awareness for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation by taking part in Doddie Aid 2023. The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’s main focus is finding a cure for Motor Neuron Disease and fundraising hero’s like Martin are essential for spreading the word and generating support for their cause.
Doddie Aid 2023, a six week event, finished up back in February however this was only the first event on Martin’s fundraising calendar for the year. Towards the end of March, her set himself a solo challenge of walking the 84 miles of Hardrian’s Wall National Trail.
Recently celebrating its 1900th birthday, the wall stretches coast to coast across northern England; from Wallsend in Newcastle-upon-Tyne to Bowness-on Solway on the west coast. Most rambler’s choose to walk west to east with the wind on their back, but opting to finish closer to home he faced into the wind and started his journey in Newcastle along with 15kg of kit!
Over the course of the 5 day hike, Martin was joined by some friendly faces to help keep his spirits high. Including his wife Lynn, his good friend Grant and fellow fundraiser Brian Morris who previously walked the 84 mile stretch after recovering from a heart transplant.
Despite finishing with a 7 mile long downpour, day 3 was Martin’s highlight, when he crossed from Chollerford to Gilsland. The route was filled with (mostly) blue skies, sunshine, plenty of rolling hills, and fantastic views across Northumberland. It also included an abundance of Roman history with Chesters, Temple of Mithras, Housesteads and Sycamore Gap (sadly no sign of either Kevin Costner or Morgan Freeman).
During the challenge Martin racked up some pretty impressive stats:
Total Miles: 91
Walking duration: 27 hours, 47 minutes, 46 seconds
Steps: 197,024
Total ascent: 9294ft / 2833m
Calories burned: 9823
Blisters acquired: 0
If you are thinking about undertaking a Hadrian’s wall hike, you can purchase a Hadrian’s Wall National Trail Passport, with proceeds going towards the upkeep of the route. There are 7 stamps to collect along the way but unfortunately these were unavailable during Martin’s walk due to it being “out of season”. Does this mean he’ll need to do it all again?
Head to Martin’s Just Giving Page where you can read daily entries from his Hadrian’s Wall hike, keep up-to-date with his fundraising activities or most importantly, donate to show your support.
The next date for the diary is at the end of April, where Martin is planning to join former APD employee Graeme Dorrance for the Glasgow Kilt Walk.