Completing a 26-mile walking challenge for DEBRA UK

On Sunday 26 April 2026 (the same day as the London Marathon), I decided to take on a huge challenge of walking 26 miles. We wanted to do it for those who can’t walk pain free, and thought we might try and raise a bit of awareness of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and the great work that DEBRA does, as well as funds. So, we set the target at £260, keeping our fingers crossed.

Every day and every step is a marathon for those who are bravely living with EB. My dear darling daughter Amy Jane Yates lived for 10 years with this cruel wicked condition and she would be turning 28 in May. As we moved house at the start of May after 29 years, it felt only fitting to take on this challenge at this time… and take it on we did.

We smashed it!🎉

There were the four of us core walkers for 26 miles, and friends and family joined us and cheered us on at various times and points in the day. People cheering us on and joining us for a lap (or two or three) really did help. It boosted us constantly.

We started at 8am in a nice quiet park, and ahead of us was 26 laps of the park.

Many people were there through the 7 hours and 20 minutes it took us to walk it. So many people were enjoying the sunshine and having family time together in the park, and making time to ask about DEBRA.

We loved being joined by Amy’s sister as well as her Nanny Nita.

There were friends there who knew Amy – one who grew up with her, as well as new friends who had never met her but still wanted to support us. And support us everyone did by:

Manning the check in desk to ensure we all kept count of our laps.

Cheering us every time we passed the desk as well as on the route.

Ensuring passers-by knew all about EB and DEBRA.

And being so, so, so kind and generous with donations.

Even a young boy came over to donate his £1 pocket money. Thank you, Roman.

We are still buzzing… we have just completed a 26-mile walk! With huge support from so many people.