Steve and his wife, Rebecca, suffered the loss, due to an ectopic pregnancy in 2016, whilst Steve was serving in Germany. Although the German hospital was very good, there was a lack of support. This led to the pair finding The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust website, enabling them to obtain information about what had happened and how to cope with their loss.
Due to the ectopic pregnancy, Rebecca had to have both Fallopian tubes removed and, as such, they were informed that their only option to conceive would be via IVF. The pair underwent five unsuccessful rounds. Thankfully, their sixth round was successful and the pair now have an 18-month-old daughter, Constance.
Steve decided that he wanted to raise funds for The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust as the Trust receives no government funding and he came up with the notion of walking around the coastal path of the Isle of Wight, where the family now lives. Steve knew that he’d have to do something extra, so he planned to complete the recommended 6 day trek in 3 days, whilst being entirely self-sufficient and carrying everything he needed on his back (an extra 20kg of weight!).
In order to train for the trek, Steve conditioned himself by walking around local routes, whilst carrying Constance on his back. He set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page and set about advertising the event with family and friends. Also having his story aired on local news networks.
Steve set off from Cowes and travelled round the island in an anti-clockwise direction. The trek was emotional, as he completed 24 miles on the first day, camping overnight at Freshwater Bay; 27 miles on the second, camping overnight at Bembridge and 16 miles on the third day, finishing in East Cowes. This distance and pace took its toll on Steve, as he received severe blisters on both feet. The last 16 miles saw him walking ‘heel-to-toe’, with each step giving more pain. He knew that if he stopped to rest, he may not be able to start again, so kept pushing through the pain.
He took pictures and compiled videos during the trek, which were shared on social media so people could follow his progress. He completed the trek in just two and a half days. The hardship paid off as over the course of the trek, Steve managed to reach his targeted sum of £1,000 via the ‘Go Fund Me’ page. There has also been a £20 donation via Facebook donations. Steve, who is an active Freemason, also approached his Mother Lodge who have unanimously generously pledged to donate £250, taking the current total to £1,270.00.
Now that Steve’s blisters have almost recovered, he is currently trying to plan another fundraising activity (something that will be less strenuous on his feet).
If you feel inspired by Steve’s incredible challenge and fundraising, please take a look at ways to get involved or email our Fundraising Co-ordinator who is happy to help: jill@ectopic.org.uk.