Charity walks and the wings around us

Pause for Thought on BBC Radio 2, Scott Mills Breakfast Show
Charity walks and the wings around us

Script:

My mum has been worried sick – not about me though, or the grandkids – she is in shreds over the fate of Radio 2 DJ, Sara Cox. “But how’s she gonna manage 135 miles in five days? She’s only little!” my mum cries, with furrow in her brow and worry in her voice. 

“I’m sure she’ll be fine, mother,” I say, recalling my own epic charity walk of fourteen miles between London and Surrey – which I paced with ample biscuit and orange squash breaks. Yet I felt every step of that flat pavement – my knees suffered for days afterwards and I swore I’d never do it again. So actually, Mum has good reason to worry over Sara’s rather longer and more arduous trek.

I remember having to manage my first public-facing work project, I was so scared, full of doubt, and wanted to hide away like I always did. But a friend believed in me more than I believed in myself. “I know you can do this”, she said simply. Her belief spread a balm across my nerves and I finally felt I could lift my head up high. 

I remember when I felt torn apart watching my dad suffer from illness, yet those around me carried my breaking heart with such tenderness, shelter, and prayer, that I felt their wings grow around the pain, and I was able to bear it.  

And I remember all the people cheering me along that charity walk – strangers who felt like blood, friends who had faith in me, family who never left my side, until I reached that finish line.  While I wanted to give up so many times on that walk, and so many times in life, the good souls around me have thrown roses on a path that’s been covered in thorns. 

The American Muslim author and speaker, Yasmin Mogahed, says, “Seek the ones who never stop caring, who break down your walls, and help you come back to yourself.” 

As Sara Cox keeps breaking through this mammoth challenge with all the love and support around her for the beautiful cause of Children in Need, I will also keep going – and keep those who care close to me.… But only Allah knows if I could face another 14 mile charity walk.

Pause for Thought on BBC Radio 2, Scott Mills Breakfast Show