Melissa completes Desert Dare

Melissa Page, a Milford on Sea village resident, wanted partake in the annual Oakhaven Hospice Walk, but as she will be in Arizona on the day of the walk, Melissa thought she would complete the 26 mile walk as a 'Desert Dare'. 

Melissa actually did the marathon walk a few days early because the forecast was showing cloud so had hoped it would be a bit cooler. That turned out to be false hope as it reached 101 degrees (over 38c) during the day. 

Melissa has told us of her experience:

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"My 26.2 mile (the extra 0.2 ensured it was a full marathon) walk took me 8 1/2 hours in total with a short break at lunchtime and as expected, it was quite a challenge. Definitely harder than I envisioned, I’m used to running and walking in the desert but over that period in the heat the undulating terrain felt especially difficult (as you a see below!). However the wonderful cause and everyone’s support kept me going.

I came across 2 snakes and of course lots of other wildlife but most of the hike was otherwise deserted - no-one else mad enough to be out in that heat. So a little scary but also quite magical, just me out in the desert.

Many thanks for those who have already donated and anyone else wants to do so if they can.

Melissa's husband, Ed joined her for 2 legs of 5 miles each so given his plantar fasciitis he did really well too. 

The Oakhaven Hospice Walk can be 7, 13 or 26 miles. Melissa is a keen supporter of Oakhaven Hospice, and for the past four years has completed the 26 mile walk.

To read more or to support Melissa, please click here.

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Melissa has also been running Walk for Wellness in the village since 2019.

About Walk for Wellness

Walk for Wellness was set up by Melissa Page in August 2019. She is a qualified personal trainer and ex-lawyer who has a real passion for fitness, and has completed 4 marathons and various charity challenges. 

Melissa wanted to give something back to the community so she started free walking groups at 10am on Mondays and Wednesdays for anyone who would like to go along.  

The aim being for people to get some exercise and simultaneously have some social company. 

 

The exercise is usually followed by a well-earned coffee and chat. The groups tend to cover 3 to 3.5miles in the hour but different speeds can be catered for (including jogging).  She always does a warm up to start and a stretch after.  

Anyone that would like to join in can just turn up at 10am on Mondays and Wednesdays outside the Needles Eye Café.

The importance of fitness is clear, and people’s reasons for walking varies, and Melissa is keen to see new members join in for fitness and fun.

To join the Walk for Wellness free walking group, or to find out more, please contact Melissa on pagetwo@hotmail.co.uk or 07712 164310.