An incredible Burnham-On-Sea resident has celebrated her 90th birthday by walking the entire length of Hadrian’s Wall to raise thousands of pounds for a special cause.
Mary Nicholson completed her week-long 84-mile trek on Saturday (May 3rd) along The Hadrian’s Wall Path stretching coast to coast across northern England.
Mary was left with six children of school age when her husband John sadly died from cancer in 1988 and her brother is also currently receiving cancer treatment – so she’s supporting The Beacon Cancer Centre in Taunton which provides support and treatment.
She was presented with a civic award for her local community work last month, and spoke to Burnham-On-Sea.com on Saturday evening after completing the “great adventure.”
“It was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Days 4, 5 and 6 were the toughest when I walked up to 15 miles a day,” says Mary.
“It was a very hot week of weather, especially when you’re walking for hours at a time. So it was tough, but it was a lovely thing to do and I have many great memories.”
“Day 4 was the highlight when I got to see the wall up close and could feel the history. I met many wonderful people a long the way, including a lot of Americans, and we agreed the trek was ‘awesome’ – a great adventure.”
She says the low point was when she got close to her physical barrier. “I was close to there several times but mind over body and said ‘I will do it!’ to get through. I had my amazing family with me throughout the walk who were marvellous in keeping me going and giving me support.”
Mary has thanked all those who’ve generously donated to her fundraising page, with over £5,000 collected and a further £1,000 from local events and activities boosting the total to a huge £6,000.
“A massive thank you goes to everyone who’s donated. The response has been humbling and wonderful. A great response for a great cause.”
Asked how she feels now it’s over, Mary said: “I’m good to go again!” and she added that she is already planning her next feat – a wing walk or extreme zip line ride!
The Hadrian’s Wall Path is an 84-mile National Trail stretching coast to coast across northern England, from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria on the west coast.
Mary had been training by walking the Parrett Trail and she recently did the Five Tors walk, taking in Glastonbury Tor, Brent Knoll and the Burrow Mump.
“I love walking, especially when it’s for a great cause like the Beacon Cancer which does such important work,” she adds.
“My brother Peter is currently battling cancer. He has been incredibly inspiring and a positive force despite it – and has being getting wonderful support from the centre, so now I wanted to help them.”
“I want to thank the Beacon Centre for all they do. They are always happy to talk and help people at all hours – they really are a beacon of hope.”
Regular Burnham-On-Sea.com readers may remember that Mary has always loved a daring challenge for her birthday – we reported here in 2015 that Mary celebrated her 80th birthday with an abseiling challenge!
Mary has always had a busy, active life. Despite the sad loss of her husband, she carried on working as a nurse at the British Royal Infirmary and also subsequently became a sister at the BRI and then latterly worked as a senior Somerset midwife. She brought up her six children on her own and was then able to watch her daughters follow her example by pursuing successful nursing careers of their own.
Whilst working and bringing up her family Mary founded a local youth club, running it for many years. Mary was also a founding member of Hillview Carnival Club, 51 years ago, and she remains a strong supporter of the club.
