Day 16: The Perfect Medicine

There was a lot of apprehension heading into Day 16. After the most challenging day so far yesterday and a broken night of sleep, fears of what today might hold were very real.

We had a bit of a later start this morning to allow us time to pack up ready to head to our own beds this evening. We have been so blessed by the generous and laughter-filled hosting of Chris and Tina, and I am even more fortunate that I get to call them 'Mum and Dad'! It is from their house that we headed out for Day 16, full of tea and full of thanks for all the ways God has blessed us as we've shared the last 16 days together. Although we look forward to reaching our own homes this evening, I will also miss the company of this little family of friends.

Goodrington Sands saw the assembly of the boys and today's extra walkers, the perfect medicine for this stage in our journey... the wonderful Greens! Julia and Richard came armed with all the smiles, energy, laughter and millionaire's shortbread to get the boys through Day 16! In fact, their presence was such a a highlight of today that little else made it onto the 'highlights list'. Nothing else came close!

From here, the team enjoyed a day with little ascent, plenty of sunshine but also lots of shaded woodland, particularly as they approached their end point: Maidencombe. Some aches and pains remain, as expected, but these have remained manageable today so thank you for all of your prayers.

It's become well-known on this trip that the last hour of the day is a tough one for the team, with each step towards the end point becoming harder than the last, both physically and mentally. But today, the end point was met with a bouncier step and plenty of smiles all round. We enjoyed a cold drink with the Greens before parting ways until they join us again for the final day.

We are so grateful to Richard and Julia for their support throughout this whole adventure. From comments on our blog to radio shout-outs, messages of encouragement and much more! It's been great to have them on board and so special to have them along with us in person today.

Please do keep the prayers and donations coming. We are so excited to one day be able to fling the doors of Cranbrook Church wide open and welcome people in to hang out. But, this part of our fundraising effort is not over yet and Jon and Jac need all the support they can get to reach the finish line!

Our team are due to arrive back at the church land by St. Martin's late on Sunday morning. Why not pop along to see us? We'd love to see you!

In the meantime, take a look at some snaps of today, Day 16: Goodrington Sands to Maidencombe Beach, 12.55 miles, 646m ascent, 32,530 steps.

The sun was out for Day 16 and we were joined by some very special guests!

A quick morning update from Aid Station 1: Torquay

Not a bad spot for lunch! Babbacombe beach

Smiles all round!

We're not sure how Jac's feet are doing but everyone is smiling thanks to Richard and Julia's infectious energy!