Taking On the West Highland Way for Care Network

As you may have seen from our social channels, our Project & Business Development Coordinator Stephanie walks the West Highland Way this June, raising funds to support our work here at Care Network.

This week, she had the pleasure of meeting with Councillor Suleman Khonat J.P, Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, along with James and Suzanne, to talk about her upcoming challenge!

The West Highland Way is a gruelling, long-distance walking route in Scotland covering a staggering 96.5 miles over challenging mountain terrain. Stephanie, accompanied by a friend, plans to complete the route in just 8 days, beginning on 17^th June 2022.

This stunning route will take her through spectacular countryside, with breathtaking views of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. From here she will head up to the Bridge of Orchy and through Glencoe, with the final leg of the journey ending in Fort William to the north.

When asked what motivated her to take on this challenge, Stephanie explained, “I only took up walking during lockdown and having experienced the wellbeing effect just a small half hour walk in the fresh air had, I now try to fit one into every day.”

Stephanie has worked for us here at Care Network for 14 years, seeing first-hand the positive impact the organisation’s help and support can have on improving people’s lives, which is what inspired her to take on this challenge. 

“I wanted to try something new that combined my love of walking with our work in BwD, and a means of inspiring local people to get out and about. What better way to do that than by taking on a challenge for our charity and reaching out to inspire our community?”

At Care Network, we work hard to support people living in BwD by connecting them with quality, reliable services to empower them to live independent, healthy lives. As well as being an advocate for health and wellbeing, Care Network is the borough’s dedicated Home Improvement Agency, giving people access to local safe traders as well as running projects to help people maintain their independence, live well, and stay safe in their own home.

Stephanie’s original target of £500 was surpassed just a few weeks into her campaign. She is now close to having raised £1,300 for our organisation! Her fundraiser runs until the end of June, with the total raised being used to further develop the services Care Network provides to those most in need. 

Our Marketing Consultant Dani said, “We are so proud of Stephanie for taking on this challenge. We wish her all the very best later this week when she takes on just under 100 miles of difficult Scottish terrain! Please donate to this fantastic cause - supporting Stephanie in her inspiring effort and enabling us to help more people in BwD.”

How You Can Help...

You can donate to support Stephanie’s fundraiser by visiting: bit.ly/stephaniecn or by contacting the team direct: 01254 507255. Fundraiser updates can be found on our Facebook page.

If you or someone you know needs help or support in BwD, please explore our website to find out how we can support you with your health, home and in your community, or contact us directly for further information.

Stephanie’s West Highland Way Walking Plan:

• Day 1 - Friday 17^th Walk from Milngavie to Drymen (12.5 Miles)
• Day 2 - Saturday 18^th Walk from Drymen to Rowardennan (15 Miles)
• Day 3 - Sunday 19^th Walk from Rowardennan to Inverarnan (13 Miles)   
• Day 4 - Monday 20^th Walk from Inverarnan to Tyndrum (12 Miles)         
• Day 5 - Tuesday 21^st Walk from Tyndrum to Inveroran (9 Miles)
• Day 6 - Wednesday 22^nd Walk from Inveroran to Kingshouse (10 Miles)
• Day 7 - Thursday 23^rd Walk from Kingshouse to Kinlochleven (9 Miles)
• Day 8 - Friday 24^th Walk from Kinlochleven to Fort William (16 Miles)