From learning to walk again to walking 225 miles

Steve Blunsten is walking 225 miles for The Feed

Six years ago this month, Steve Blunsten lost the ability to walk, following an accident. This Saturday he sets off on an epic 225 miles walk. Here, Steve explains why he’s walking for The Feed – and in memory of his mum

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Steve Blunsten, I’m now the owner of World of Beds which has now been serving Norfolk and Suffolk for 40 years.

What has led you to wanting to walk 225 miles and raise money for The Feed?

I’ve always pushed myself mentally, as this is more of a mental challenge, and The Feed is a local charity that helps people when they need it most.

What is it about that charity that is important to you?

It’s a charity that would have helped us (my family) growing up, plus my mum would’ve loved The Feed.

Steve is walking in memory of his mum, Cathy Guppy, who passed away last year

You’re dedicating the walk to your mum? What would you like to say about her?

She was the most caring person ever. All her life she cared for people who needed it most. When I had my accident, she was there, she helped me get my independence back and stayed with me until I no longer needed her help.

When do you set off and how long do you expect it to take?

It will be a 9-day challenge starting on the 12th of July, until 20th of July.

Steve had to have his ankle realigned, after the accident

Will it be a challenge for you, after having to learn to walk again in 2019? What happened?

I was playing 6 a-side football, was tackled and one part of my leg went one way the the other part the other way – ouch! I broke one bone and fractured another in my leg, shattered my heel, and tore all my tendons. I was rushed into resus and was there for 18 hours, having my ankle re-aligned. I then went to a ward for 4 weeks and had two further operations. The doctors said it would take 12 months of rehab to start walking. I did it in 6 months. Physically it will be a challenge managing my ankle – and asthma – but for me it’s a mental challenge. That’s what I’m looking forward to most.

How can people find out more about the route etc, and support you?

I will be posting daily routes, pictures, and updates on Facebook.

Steve Blunsten is fundraising for The Feed Foundation by walking 225 miles, the circumference of Norfolk and Suffolk, over 9 days, starting on Saturday July 12. Follow updates on The Feed’s Facebook page.

Featured images – supplied