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A hairdresser who swapped her scissors for walking boots has completed her epic 874-mile trek from Land’s End to John O’ Groats.
Natalie Gorman, from Milton, near Sittingbourne, reached her final destination on Saturday, August 14 – seven weeks after setting off.
The mother-of-two walked about 20 miles every day to raise money for five charities.
Her own mother, Janet Atkinson, drove the support vehicle.
As she arrived at the famous sign in Scotland, Natalie sang a song that had been written by Janet called ‘It’s A Long Way To John O’Groats’, inspired by John McCormack’s tune ‘It’s A Long Way To Tipperary’.
Natalie started her incredible journey in June in aid of Covex, Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity, Make a Wish Foundation, Great Ormond Street Hospital and The National Deaf Children’s Society.
She had kept supporters updated and entertained every step of the way by posting photographs and videos of her progress on social media.
The 46-year-old said the trek was “really good”, but it wasn’t without its challenges.
“The first two weeks it did nothing but rain, then I had the heatwave – some days it was like 82F and it was just sucking the life out of me,” Natalie said.
“The last three weeks I was in Scotland and the weather was nice; a lot more comfortable to walk in.”
She added: “The last week, I ended up in Inverness A&E with a terrible pain in my lower left leg.
“They think I had cellulitis from midge bites, so for the last 100 miles I was in an NHS boot. That was probably the hardest part.
“It was just a relief when I got to the John O’ Groats sign.”
Natalie said she would do it all again, but next time she would walk off-road as parts of the route were dangerous.
And having left home with walking boots and three pairs of trainers, she had to buy more footwear along the way.
So far, she has raised about £4,000 but would love to give each charity £1,000.
To donate, click here.