by John Prince
A retired midwife who was unable to walk after developing a condition that left her with severe numbness and loss of movement in the lower part of her body has completed her month-long charity walk, raising over £1,000.
Rosie Bullard from Hornsea set off at the beginning of September to raise £100 for Cancer Research UK by walking a mile along Hornsea Promenade from her house to the Hub every day.
Thanks to generous donations online, in collection tins around town and money given directly to her while she was walking, she has now surpassed her target tenfold and cash is still coming in.
Rosie was diagnosed with Cauda Equina Syndrome two years ago, which is when nerves at the bottom of the spine are severely squished or compressed, and requires immediate surgery to prevent permanent damage.
She has been building her strength and mobility up since, and wanted to do something for Cancer Research UK as four of her family members have died from the disease, and three others are living with it including husband Andy.
With help from Andy, her son and daughter, friends and Eddie the dog, Rosie completed her challenge in record time, finishing a couple of days before the end of the month.
She said: “I’m aching a little bit but it’ll go. I’m not going to stop. I’m not going to walk a mile a day, but I am going to walk a mile at least once a week to keep that going, and possibly even further.
“I did do one point seven miles one day by accident.
“My daughter was there with her watch, and when I started off it took me about an hour, and I got it down to about thirty five minutes at the end.
“I feel fitter and I feel good for it.
“I want say thank you to my family. I’ve had friends walk with me as well. The people down the leisure centre had a whip round. Then they gave us free tickets for free coffees.
“I want to say a huge thank you to all the people who donated, waved, smiled said hello and supported me in any way whilst I did my walk.”
