The notion of going home for Christmas is being taken to a whole new level by two Holmfirth women.
For Natalie Sykes and her pal Laura Bartle will be making the journey to their home town of Holmfirth on foot - from Hersham in Surrey.
And Natalie sees the 190-mile trek as a great way to demonstrate their dedication to a good cause.
The pair will set off on December 18 and aims to arrive in Holmfirth on the 23rd.
“It’s nerve-racking just thinking about it,” said Natalie, who moved to Surrey for work two years ago and has since become heavily involved with the charity Walking with the Wounded.
The charity is running a campaign Walk Home for Christmas, encouraging people to leave their their cars at home and just walk to help raise awareness for service veterans who don’t have homes to walk to.
“I decided that while walking from my work to home is a fair way, I would go one step further and walk to my family home in Holmfirth,” said Natalie, a software tester for an oil and gas company.
For the average daily tally of 33 miles, she will be joined by a friend from Holmfirth - 22-year-old Laura Bartle an electrical engineer now living in Newcastle. The pair have already raised more than £1,100 and hope to collect at least £1,500.
“Everyone thinks I’m mad. But I don’t care, it’s for a good cause,” said Natalie.
Her parents will be helping with the practicalities of the walk, which the pair have planned to take them through as many towns as possible.
“And we are encouraging everyone to come and join us,” she said.
With a brother in training for the Royal Marines, Natalie has a family connection to the military. “But I also hate to think of anyone being homeless,” she said. “So combining the two just fits the bill.”
To sponsor Natalie and Laura visit: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/FestiveFeat
