On a cool, blustery rain-swept morning of Thursday, May 10, Clive Lewis, of Stonelea, New Hedges, a UK marathon walker for Diabetes UK, set out from the Thames and Kennet Marina, north- east of Reading, to walk the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal for the charity. Over the past 25 years he has covered many interesting areas throughout the country for the cause. This was Clive's ninth 100-mile plus event to raise money to purchase diabetic equipment for hospitals and clinics in Pembrokeshire, specialised items which the NHS does not provide. Six days later he reached his goal, having walked around 130 miles. Although non-seasonal weather, he stated that this was ideal for walking. He took time to stray from the pathways on occasions to take in the many features that were off the waterway, including the Claverton and Crofton Pumping Stations, the Crofton Beam Engine, the 16 ladder locks near Devizes, a fascinating sight, and Giles Wood, near Semington, where 5,000 British trees were planted in 1993. Whilst speaking on one of his mobiles in Little Bedwyn, a steam train thundered through the station, a lovely back-in- time moment for Clive. By walking every foot of this long absorbing journey, he became aware of the ever-changing landscapes of Berkshire and Wiltshire. All the locks were painted black and white, with numerous brightly coloured narrowboats of all descriptions either moored or moving slowly up and down the cana. There were also many pretty canalside cottages, an abundance of leafy areas and weeping willows dipping their branches into the cool waters, various wharves and tall aquaducts looking so mighty and strong in Cotswold stone. Clive passed through the towns of Reading, Thatcham, Newbury, Bradford-on-Avon and Bath, as well as skirting a number of pretty villages and hamlets along the way. He found the residents very friendly and enthusiastic to his cause, yet very laid back enjoying the lifestyle. On occasions, Clive was invited onto their 'floating' homes for tea and a chat, while the canalside cafes provided him with very sustaining refreshments over each 10 to 12-hour day. Among many little incidents that always occur on all his long distance marathons, too numerous to mention, Clive wishes this one uncanny happening to be recorded. Some distance from Devizes, he was thinking about Lucy Locket - why he just cannot imagine, but he just could not get it out of his head. Less than half a mile of walking later, across the other bank of the canal, was a narrowboat, wait for it, clearly named Lucy Locket - a very true story, remarked Clive, who adamantly stated he had not had his last cup of tea spiked, and there was no question of sun stroke either!

historic data

The canal opened in 1810 and was used to transport numerous products using working barges. When the railway arrived in 1841, its use became more and more limited and as time passed, much of this beautiful waterway became unnavigable. Derelict locks, rotting lock gates, leaking canal beds, decaying wharves, bridges and buildings were eventually restored through a developed partnership between British Waterways, the Kennet Canal Trust and the local authorities. The first stage was completed and celebrated by Her Majesty The Queen's visit in 1990. The remaining restoration was brought up to specification using a £25 million Heritage funding. To conclude, prior to walking this marathon, as previous ones, Clive had to personally raise his sponsorship by walking many rural and urban areas of the county, usually over six to seven months. To date, £4,100 has been credited to a Lloyds Bank deposit account in Pembroke which will remain open for three months. He sincerely wishes to thank all firms, friends, neighbours and people everywhere for their generous support of this very worthy cause. Anyone who still wishes to send a donation, please make cheques payable to Diabetes UK, duly endorsing with the words on the reverse of the cheque, 'For Clive Lewis Marathons'. Post in person or send to: Clive Lewis, Stonelea, New Hedges, Tenby.