A woman from Midhurst in West Sussex who was once unable to walk properly after major surgery is celebrating a remarkable transformation after completing multiple Ultra Challenge events and inspiring others to get active through her own community walking group.
Vicki Harrison, who turns 50 on 11 August, has set herself the ambitious goal of completing five Ultra Challenges during her milestone year, describing the events as something that has completely changed her life. She recently completed the North Downs 50 Ultra Challenge in the Surrey Hills, taking on 50km for the charity Abby’s Heroes.
In February 2022, Vicki underwent pelvic organ surgery and was simultaneously diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a condition affecting connective tissue which, combined with her hypermobility, significantly slowed her recovery.
The recovery process took nine months and left her struggling to walk properly. Determined to prove to herself that she could regain the active life she once enjoyed, she set herself a simple but daunting challenge one year after her operation.
She said: “In February 2023 I walked 10 miles with my dog Samson. Everyone thought I was mad and said it was too far, too soon, but I didn’t listen.”
That walk became a turning point. What started as a personal recovery goal soon developed into a passion for exploring the South Downs and eventually became a way of raising money for causes close to her heart.
Following the loss of her grandmother to dementia, Vicki signed up for her first Ultra Challenge, the South Coast Ultra Challenge from Hove to Arundel.
“I didn’t even realise how far 43km was,” she laughed. “I didn’t understand distances in kilometres, elevation or anything about long-distance walking. I just went for it.”
She completed the challenge and, despite initially vowing never to do anything similar again, soon entered another. The following year she tackled the Windsor 50km Ultra Challenge to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support after her mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, while close friends and family had also been affected by cancer.
At the same time, Vicki was caring for her grandfather following the death of her grandmother. Just a week before the Windsor event, her grandfather was admitted to hospital with a severe infection and was told he was nearing the end of his life.
She said: “We brought him back to the nursing home so he could be somewhere familiar. I spent every day and night with him that week.”
On the Friday evening before the challenge, she left to take part in the event, uncertain whether she would see him again.
“I walked for 11 hours, then drove straight back to Petworth to give him my medal. Three days later he passed away.”
Grieving for her grandfather left Vicki struggling to continue, but walking once again became a lifeline.
She noted: “One morning after the school run, instead of going back upstairs to sit on the sofa, I put my boots on and just walked. That was the moment I realised I needed to carry on for him.”
Since then, her walking adventures have grown into something much bigger.
Vicki has completed numerous Ultra Challenge events, walked the 200-mile Sussex Hospice Trail, and written two books about her experiences, Coat On Coat Off Wet Feet and Coat On Coat Off Muddy Boots.
Earlier this year she also launched Coat On Coat Off Wellbeing Walks, a community walking group that encourages people to get outdoors while raising money for charity through small weekly donations.
She is currently writing a third book documenting her challenge of completing five Ultra events in her 50th year.
Reflecting on her journey, Vicki credits Ultra Challenge events with helping her rebuild her confidence, discover new goals and maintain her wellbeing through some of life’s most difficult moments.
She said: “Ultra Challenge has changed my life. I live life now. I challenge and reward myself and have pushed myself to places I didn’t know were possible. I will forever be grateful for the family, the experiences and the support Ultra Challenges have given me.
“If anyone is thinking about doing one, just go for it. We only get one life and we need to enjoy it.”
From facing months of rehabilitation and uncertainty to becoming an accomplished endurance walker, fundraiser, author and community champion, Vicki’s story is a powerful example of how determination and a pair of walking boots can carry someone far beyond what once seemed possible.
To take part in your own Ultra Challenge, visit: www.ultrachallenge.com
With thanks to Ultra Challenge via New Reach
