Geraldine McFaul: 54, shares her inspirational solo 2,000-Mile Trek from Glasgow to Rome: a journey of challenges, courage, kindness, and personal transformation.

Tough Girl Podcast

In 2023, Geraldine at the age of 54, embarked on an awe-inspiring journey of a lifetime: a 2,000-mile solo walk from her home in Glasgow to the historic city of Rome! Raising funds for Dementia UK and Mary’s Meals in memory of her Mum & Dad.

This remarkable adventure wasn't just about covering the distance; it was a test of resilience, determination, and the kindness of strangers. Along the way, Geraldine pulled a trailer, camped under the stars, and experienced countless acts of kindness from the people she met, affectionately referring to it as being 'kindnapped' – kidnapped with kindness.

One of her biggest challenges was the daunting prospect of crossing the formidable Alps. Despite her initial trepidation, Geraldine pushed forward, only to realise that the alternative route offered even more daunting mountainous terrain. Undeterred, she pressed on, conquering each obstacle with unwavering determination and a steadfast spirit.

As her incredible journey drew to a close in the historic streets of Rome, Geraldine experienced a truly unforgettable moment – a surprise meeting that added an extra layer of magic to her already extraordinary adventure.

Now, Geraldine joins us to recount the highs, the lows, and the life-changing moments of her epic pilgrimage.

Listen to Geraldine as she shares her inspiring story of courage, resilience, and the transformative power of human connection.

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Show notes

• Who is Geraldine
• Working as a freelance risk consultant
• Her early years and growing up
• Doing a few walks unto 300 miles, walking from Cardiff to London, walking between the 7 cities of Scotland.
• Not being a super fit person and why walking works for her
• Going at slow pace and getting out and about
• Deciding to walk from Glasgow (home) to Rome in 2016
• Why Rome
• Taking 2 years to tell people
• Being encouraged by friends
• 2016 - her mum being diagnosed with Vascular Dementia
• Losing her mum in April 2022
• Making a commitment to herself
• The planning and preparation and why it wasn’t a big factor
• Deciding on a start day in May
• Having 2 rules for the walk, not carrying a rucksack and not walking over the alps
• Deciding to get a buggy and getting a Black Friday deal
• Doing what is right for her body
• The gear
• Not letting herself think long enough to have any concerns or fears
• Joining a few walking groups
• The issue with wild dogs
• Buying a GPS tracker
• The practicalities of the trip in terms of taking time off work and paying for the trip
• The start - May 6th 2023
• What was running through her head at the start
• Walking past the cemetery to visit her parents before starting
• Having company at the start
• Getting into a daily routing over the first 500 miles
• The uncertainty while walking daily
• Kidnapped with kindness ‘Kindnapping’
• Magical moments while walking
• The plan for getting over the Alps…..
• The mental side of the challenge
• Picking up a camino from Canterbury to Rome the Via Francigena.
• The practical aspects of getting herself and her trailer over the alps
• The pressure of walking with other people and choosing to walk at her own pace
• Getting to Rome and feeling excited about arrived
• Being met by her friends at the finish
• Remembering the moment when she completed the walk and how all emotions overwhelmed her
• Have an incredible Italian tour guide and getting to see all the sites
• The final surprise
• Being presented to Pope Francis
• The adjustment of going back to work after the end of the adventure
• Missing the daily routine while walking
• Raising money for charities
• Mary’s Meals
• Dementia UK
• How to connect on social media
• Final words of advice - “do it at your pace - your pace is the right pace for you”
• Why you are much more capable than we think we are.

Social Media

Instagram: @ged_home2rome

Facebook: @HometoRome

Just Giving Fundraising Pages:

Mary’s Meals: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/geraldine-mcfaul1

Dementia UK: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/geraldine-mcfaul