Woppy says a big thank you for all the assistance in raising money for 65 Degrees North

Woppy Keeling has sent out a big thank you to those who supported her in her Devon challenge which has so far raised more than £5,000 for 65 Degrees North.

Woppy, wife of Major General Andy Keeling CB CBE - vice-president of 65 Degrees North, took on a one-mile swim, a 117-mile walk followed by a challenging cliff climb over eight days.

First, the mile swim saw Woppy set out from Great Mewstone Island to the shore at Wembury beach in south Devon before she took on the marathon walk along the Two Moors Way which crosses both Dartmoor and Exmoor. The expedition ended with the climb at Baggy Point on the north Devon coast.

Woppy also had time during her ‘triathlon’ to be interviewed on BBC Radio Devon about the challenging eight days.

“This is to say a very big thank you from Andy and me for all your support before and during my Challenge," said Woppy.

"For those of you who have donated to 65 Degrees North another very big thank you.  As of today the total, with gift aid, stands at just over £5,400 for which I am very grateful.

“To those of you who helped me with the swim by being either on the beach, in the safety boat or afterwards with hot showers and drinks; and of course not forgetting my very confidence-boosting swimming partner!  To all my lovely walking friends - so wonderful to have your company.  And to Nick and Pa for climbing with me and especially to Nick for his consideration on enabling the climb to happen, in a beautiful spot which was good for spectators.

“Andy was my support team and did all the admin, including lots of driving so that friends could walk with me.

“The weather was warm and sunny for the whole week which made a huge difference to morale!   The scenery was fabulous with beech trees, bluebells and wild garlic out, so wonderful walking through woods, fields, streams and valleys and then the more dramatic and wild scenery over Dartmoor and Exmoor.   

“Climbing at Baggy Point was spectacular with wonderful views out to sea and to Lundy Island.”