Golden Valley Half Marathon Charity Walk

'Golden Valley Half Marathon Charity Walk' also known as 'Carols Walk'.

On Saturday 10th June 2023 Carol Goring and a very capable band of friends and family organised a walk to celebrate life, raise awareness about secondary breast cancer and raise funds for Make 2nds Count and other local cancer charities. 500 people walked from Carol's farm in the stunning Golden Valley in Herefordshire. An additional 500 people joined them on the day on the farm.

On Tuesday 1st August, Carol presented Make 2nds Count with a cheque for £10,439.25 at our Hereford Tea and Chat group.

We caught up with Carol after the event to find out about the day. Here is what Carol had to say.

Also known as Carol’s Walk. 10 June 2023. 

The Golden Valley Half Marathon Charity Walk: “Carol’s Walk” is a Huge Success.

Saturday 10 June 2023 was a joyful day. The Goring family and a mighty team of helpers welcomed 500 walkers and hundreds more visitors to Dorstone Court, Herefordshire. The sun shone on the farm which was magnificently adorned with flowers, flags, bunting and balloons. The big day that had involved two years of careful planning had finally arrived!

Everyone came to support the Golden Valley Half Marathon Charity Walk also known as “Carol’s Walk”.  

The idea for’’ Carol’s Walk’’ originated in 2021 when I was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer. The news has come as an enormous shock and treatment has often been difficult. However, life is for living and walking is my happy place! I like nothing better than to climb the rolling green hills above our lush Golden Valley. How lucky I am to live here. How fortunate I am to have treatment to help.

My vision involved sharing my favourite routes, walking with friends, family and our community to celebrate life, increase awareness of secondary breast cancer, and enjoy our beautiful corner of England. At the same time to raise funds for some excellent charities which have helped me.

The walk was an enormous success and raised an amazing total of over £30,500! This has now been donated to the charities: Saint Michael’s Hospice, Make 2nds Count, Yeleni and Hereford Breast Cancer Support Group. The figure far exceeded expectations and was an incredibly proud achievement for the brilliant team and our small rural community.  It has been incredibly hard work and has involved many hours of planning, but we did it!

On the day walkers (many proudly wearing breast cancer pink) arrived at the farmyard full of enthusiasm and energy. They chose the option of a 13-mile route or 3 other shorter distances. The signed, marshalled walks took hikers up to the top of Vagar Hill and the top Dorstone Hill either side of the stunning Golden Valley. They were met by cheerful volunteers offering homemade cake and cool drinks. What views to appreciate while munching a slice of lemon drizzle!

The event was assisted by volunteers from Anubis First Aid and the TrF club. 

Back at the farmyard there was a big party atmosphere in the June sunshine. We enjoyed lots more cake and the hospitality of the Pandy Inn’s BBQ, the Shack Bar, Shepherds ice-cream and Field to Fork Pizza Cart. We also held a magnificent “5 Big Prize” Draw which took place during the afternoon-all of which helped to swell the grand total.

In addition, an on-line Just Giving page has received many generous donations. 

Jane Goring, my mother-in-law, opened her wonderful English country garden offering a beautiful space for weary walkers and visitors to wander, find shade beneath wisteria arches and enjoy the scent of rambling roses.

I would like to say a huge ‘’thank you’’ to everyone who came on the day or supported the very special event in any way including my family, the outstanding committee who thought of absolutely every detail to make the day a success, the walkers, the volunteers, the local farmers who were happy to move livestock, the farm staff and to everyone who has kindly donated. I am totally overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity of so many.

Thank you so much- “Carol’s Walk” has been about reminding ourselves that life is for living.  

Carol Goring