Melksham woman completes 94-mile canal walk in memory of dad

A Melksham woman has completed a 94-mile walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal in memory of her dad, raising more than £4,300 for the hospital unit that cared for him.

Karen Elliot walked from Kennet Mouth in Reading to the Neptune Statue in Bristol, passing around 230 bridges and 104 locks in seven days to mark one year since his death.

She was supported by family and friends who joined her along the way to raise funds for the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal United Hospitals Bath.

“It felt surreal when I finished,” said Karen. “After months of training and a week focused entirely on the challenge, it suddenly felt strange for it to be over. But I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved and of the money raised in my dad’s memory.”

Despite months of preparation, the challenge tested her determination. The first day brought searing temperatures, several wrong turns and unexpected extra miles, while blisters and a painful knee injury threatened to end the walk early.

Karen completed some sections by bike to allow her knee to recover, enabling her to continue and ultimately reach Bristol.

She said, “I was disappointed that things didn’t go exactly to plan, but I realised completing the challenge was more important than how I got there.”

Throughout the week, Karen was supported by family, friends and other helpers. Walking companions kept her motivated, drivers transported her to and from each day’s start and finish points and a WhatsApp group followed her live location, offering constant encouragement.

“Along the route, I experienced countless acts of kindness, from strangers making donations after hearing my story, to friends waiting with homemade cake at the end of difficult days.

“The challenge also became an opportunity to reflect on memories of my dad, with quiet moments along the towpath providing time to think about him and the reason I had set myself such an ambitious goal.”

Karen arrived at the Neptune Statue in Bristol surrounded by her two daughters and their partners.

Looking back, she said the experience taught her that endurance challenges are about far more than physical fitness.

“I couldn’t have done it without the people around me. Thank you to every person who walked, cycled, drove, donated or sent a message that played a part in getting me to the finish.”