We all have a ‘bucket list’... a journey, a place to visit, a challenge to complete or to meet someone special, before it is not possible! Thanks to the recently opened section of the England Coastal Path through our village and the Coast to Castles national cycle route, Newbiggin by the Sea has played host to two inspirational visitors this summer who were ticking off their bucket list .. Kishor Kadiwar and Beth Wickes.
Kishor arrived at the Maritime Centre on a very wet day in August, needing an opportunity to rest, have a hot drink and shelter from the storm. A 68year old Londoner, passionate cyclist and photographer had decided in June to cycle from London to John O’Groats and back, following the coast, a distance of 1600 miles. Enjoying his two hobbies.
October 2ndsaw the Centre welcome Beth Wickes. Beth had originally worked in London as a cartographer, then decided to give up her house, take a two year career break and indulge in her love of walking and the coast. Having started a year previously at the London Tower Lifeboat Station, Beth began walking, clockwise, the Coastal Path visiting every life boat station on her journey. On arrival at Newbiggin by the Sea having completed 2336 miles of her great adventure, Beth appreciated an offer of accommodation, a packed lunch, donations from residents and the warm welcome she received by the Newbiggin Lifeboat station volunteers. Kishor and Beth decided that their personal challenges should not only benefit themselves, but others and decided to raise awareness and funds for their preferred charities throughout their journeys. Kishor chose Cancer Research while Beth decided to raise money for the volunteer rescue services including the RNLI. We wish them well as they continue their epic journeys.