Lincolnshire hiker endures vein 'popping', insect bites and blistering heat to complete 'walking marathon' for charity

Carolyn Smith, known to many as the “Broken Hiker”, finished the ‘walking marathon’ from Donna Nook to Skegness, supported by Harry from Injury and Sports Therapy, and Billie from Phoenix Fitness.

The aim was to raise money for Skegness RNLI and Annabelle’s Challenge - the UK’s leading charity supporting people and families affected by a life-threatening vascular syndrome.

However, the walk was certainly not without its hiccups.

After completing 19 miles to Anderby Creek in blistering heat on Saturday, June 27, and enduring horsefly bites and broken veins, 40 year-old Carolyn made the decision to stop.

"I thought I was going to pass out,” she recalls. “I kept stopping and felt really weird. My heart rate had spiked to the 150s.

"We got bitten by horseflies and I managed to pop a vein in my leg swatting one away. We were stung by nettles numerous times, we couldn't avoid them and just had to plough through them”

Recognising she could be putting her health at risk, she decided to stop. Not to be disheartened, Carolyn added: “I had still walked 19 miles in 28/30 degrees heat. I was proud of myself.”

So on the following Monday, she laced up her trainers again and walked the remaining nine miles, dodging jellyfish on the sand before reaching Skegness.

The challenge is particularly special for Carolyn, who suffers with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS), a rare and life-threatening connective tissue disorder. The walking marathon marked a return to major fundraising events for Carolyn after she took some time away due to ill health. Previous fundraisers have included a 32-mile paddleboard challenge in one day.

Reflecting on the success of this feat, Carolyn added: “We have raised £868.50 each for Annabelle's Challenge and Skegness RNLI

“Massive thank go to Harry, Billie, Beth, Rachel and my mum for the immediate support, TD Motors - Burgh Le Marsh P and R decorator centre for all your amazing fundraising help, and to everyone who has supported us with donating, messaging, sharing etc. Without you lot none of this is possible.”