Walking 10 miles every day for 30 days to raise funds for Pagham Ponies

Sam Hayward is from Barnham and is taking part in the challenge to help Pagham Ponies.

She has so far walked between 10 and 17 miles every day this month (November).

Sam said: “I adore walking and the fresh air and like to challenge myself to distance walking.

“Four years ago me and two friends walked The South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne in five days which was very challenging but an amazing experience too.

“When I retire I will make charity fund raising a part of my life and have many ideas in mind already which could involve a number of days yoga challenge as this is also a hobby I love.

“I find it is time to find yourself and put your world back to rights.”

The challenge has been taking place throughout lockdown, but Sam has been able to have some company during her walks while adhering to the rules.

She said: “Many of my friends have joined me over the past 12 days walking to keep me motivated and it has been really special to stick to the lockdown rules of one to one and have time to swap stories that maybe we didn’t know about each other - I would like to thank all those who have joined me so far and those who will be joining me.

“I have used a distance walking app on my phone and have recorded each day and posted it on my Facebook page.”

All funds raised by Sam will go to Pagham Ponies, a horse and pony sanctuary based in Pagham, West Sussex, run by Nigel Mundy.

Sam said: “Nigel is a man with a huge heart who has been gathering injured and potentially dying horses and giving them a new lease of life.

“He has taken in horses with health and behavioural problems and given them the TLC that they need and deserve. However, he is now struggling to self-fund his rescue centre.

“They may need to relocate due to new housing coming closer and closer to their fields and stables and I heard they needed help with food, bedding, dentistry, farrier and of course veterinary fees this winter.”

Sam has always loved horses and became a very experience rider and instructor. Her passion for horses has led her to take on the fundraising challenge to help Nigel in his plight to save the horses.

She said: “This is a wonderful charity and I will help wherever I can.

“I was put on a pony aged three and I was hooked. Then I pleaded for riding lessons which were the highlight of my week and I spent all weekend every weekend at the local riding school helping out.

“Aged 22 I started to train with The British Horse Society and became a fully qualified Instructor after three years and have competed in dressage, show jumping, cross country and eventing.”

Sam has two horses with her daughter Charlotte and the pair love riding together over the Downs.

Sam has set her target at £600 and is appealing for donations via Justgiving I would love to exceed this for these beautiful horses and to take some of the stress of Nigel this winter.