A couple from Somerset is determined to reignite their quest to walk the entire coastline of Great Britain, following an unexpected interruption due to an injury. Zoe Langley-Wathen, 54, and her husband Mike Langley, 73, are resolute in their mission to raise £10,000 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance during their ambitious 7,300-mile (11,748 km) trek.
A Journey Interrupted
The couple originally embarked on their journey in October of last year. However, after covering just 60 miles, Zoe sustained a stress fracture that forced them to halt their adventure. Reflecting on her injury, Zoe remarked, “I’m learning to go slowly, not too fast too soon. It’s probably the reason I got the fracture in the first place.” With their home rented out, the pair found temporary accommodation in a friend’s flat in Wellington, Somerset, while Zoe focused on her recovery.
Now, with Zoe back to full health, they are set to recommence their journey on 4 February from Studland, near Bournemouth. Mike, who has undergone two hip replacements in the last three years, expressed his eagerness to get back on the move, saying, “I was like a caged lion for months because I can’t sit still. Now that we’re going again, I’m ready.”
A Meaningful Send-Off
When they first set off on their initial attempt, they were warmly waved off by local air ambulance crew members, a moment Zoe described as “incredible and the most beautiful experience.” Both Zoe and Mike expressed their gratitude for the support they received, feeling honoured to have the community rally behind them as they began this significant undertaking.
The couple’s love story began in 2011 when they crossed paths on separate walks along the South West Coast Path. Their shared passion for exploration led them to marry three years later, and since then, they have covered thousands of miles together. Notably, they even walked 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain for their honeymoon.
Embracing Adventure at Any Age
Zoe and Mike highlight the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, regardless of age. Zoe noted, “The use of adventure can benefit women like me, with perimenopause, or men like Mike with new hips. It’s for everybody.” Their experience reinforces the idea that adventure and exploration can enhance well-being, promoting a sense of vitality and resilience.
With their sights set firmly on the horizon, the couple is not only championing a charitable cause but also embodying the spirit of adventure that transcends age and physical limitations.
Why it Matters
Their journey serves as an inspiring reminder that age should never be a barrier to pursuing one’s dreams. As Zoe and Mike navigate the challenges of their trek, they not only raise funds for a vital service but also encourage others to embrace the outdoors and seek adventure in their own lives. This story underscores the profound impact that physical activity and a sense of purpose can have on well-being, particularly for those facing personal challenges.
