“Deep down, we knew not finishing wasn’t an option” – James and friends embark on an epic fundraiser and walk more than 83 miles along the North Norfolk Coastal Path Two determined pals managed to see the challenge through and walk an eye-watering 83 miles – together raising nearly £8,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Bereaved dad James Harrowven and friend Nick Eagle trekked the entire length of the North Norfolk Coastal Path, from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea. They completed the distance to support EACH and in memory of James’s baby daughter, Chloe. Little Chloe, who had an extremely rare, genetic condition called Zellweger’s Syndrome, spent the final week of her life at The Nook, in Framingham Earl. She lived for just six weeks and died on 13th September 2021. James, from Norwich, decided he wanted to do something positive and set himself a fundraising target of £7,500. He had been told £7,000 is what it costs to run The Nook for a day and also wanted to raise an additional £500 to fund a memory bench or tree for Chloe. “There was a huge sense of relief and euphoria when we got to the end,” said the 33-year-old. “Nick and I both felt so pleased, especially having reached our fundraising target. “I knew we were getting close while we did the walk. “Notifications were popping up every time someone donated and it’s amazing what a difference it made. It was such a boost and kept us going. “There were some lovely messages from people, too, and they made the world of difference. “They kept us plodding on when every bone in our body was urging us to stop! “To have raised so much money is a fantastic feeling and makes me very proud.” James, Nick and two other friends, Sam Willis and Jack Wenham, left Hunstanton early on Friday morning (5th August). However, after an incredible effort, Sam and Jack were unable to complete the full distance due to injuries. After reaching Sheringham, they were picked up and spent the night at Sam’s parents’ chalet in Mundesley, before being driven back to Sheringham to continue their walk on Saturday morning (6th August). “The walk itself was far harder than I expected – so much harder than our training walks,” said James. “There were so many types of terrain, which seemed to hurt every bone and muscle in our feet and legs. There were uphill and downhill sections and one awful five-mile stretch on pebbles, which was a real killer. “My knee also started hurting at the end of the first day and there were definitely points when I wondered if we’d get through it. “Even at the start of the second day, I remember thinking ‘how are we going to do this?’ “We just had to keep going, though, and it was a case of walking through the pain barrier. Deep down, we knew not finishing wasn’t an option. “After 25 miles or so we sat down, took our shoes off and assessed the damage. “Even at that relatively early stage, we were wondering how we were going to get through another 60 miles. “It was a huge physical challenge but also an enormous mental one, finding the spirit and energy to keep going and keep fighting. “We all helped each other along the way. Nick and I were both in a bad way by the end but spurred each other on.” A fifth friend, Adam Willis, had to pull out the day before the walk was due to start after testing positive for Covid. James and Nick met EACH Community Fundraiser Tim Jenkins at their finish point, Potters Resorts, in Hopton. Their fundraising total currently sits at £7,920. To make a donation, click here. Photo credit: EACH
