Barefoot Training Walk - Stage 3
Barefoot Walk
Andy Neale is raising money for DEBRA
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My story
On Thursday 16th July 2026 I will be walking barefoot from my home in Basingstoke to the DEBRA head office in Bracknell to raise money in support of those suffering with EB, an excruciating condition which currently has no cure.
EB is short for epidermolysis bullosa. Inherited EB is a group of rare and incredibly painful genetic skin conditions that cause the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch. With skin as fragile as a butterfly’s wings, EB is often referred to as ‘butterfly skin’.
The route I am walking will cover approximately UPDATE: 26.6 miles (42.8km, previously 35km) and likely take me over 12 hours to complete.
The pain I will undoubtedly feel during the walk will be nothing compared to the unimaginable suffering those with EB face every single day.
Through undertaking this challenge I want to raise awareness of EB through you my family and friends as well as through your friends and family too. Together we can all help make a difference!
Some of you may know how big a challenge this is for me not only doing barefoot but given my heart condition and the possibility of facing triggers that cause me to blackout (collapse). At times along the way I am going to have to dig deep and push on to the finish.
Over the coming months I will share training videos, details of the route and more updates.
Any donation no matter how big or small will mean so very much!
Thank you!
Andy ♥️
For more information about EB. please see the link below.
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB): symptoms, treatment, and care | DEBRA UK
If you have been inspired and want to get involved please see the link below.
Thank you for checking out my page. Making a donation is fast, easy and secure thanks to Give as you Live Donate. They'll take your donation and pass it onto DEBRA.
My updates
⏳it is now less than 1 week to go until I walk completely barefoot the whole 26+ miles to DEBRA HQ in Bracknell 👣
🥵The last day or so I have been asked if I will be postponing or moving the walk…my answer is a simple but firm… “No!”.
Those suffering with the excruciating pain of EB have to play the cards they have been dealt and find a way to get through the further pain the hot weather brings🔥. So out of unwavering respect I will stay committed to Thursday 16th July!
I have had the luxury of being able to train for this and I have worked hard to find coping strategies to get through anything my heart condition may throw at me on the day.
Tomorrow sees me taking on what will be this coming Thursday’s final 9+ miles of my barefoot walk going from Eversley to Bracknell.
I will then be resting up and keeping my feet as healthy as possible with a few shorter walks before the big day.
Thank you to all the donors, supporters and sharers…your kindness means the world 🌍
Together we can help stop the pain of EB! 💙🦋
Barefoot Training Walk - Stage 2
Barefoot Training Walk - Stage 1
Charity
DEBRA
Charity number: 1084958
Activity tracker
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3
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Total distance
Recent donations
By 40 supporters
Anonymous
£5.00
+ £1.25 Gift Aid
Ellie Louise
£5.00
Well done uncle Andy! Proud of you
Jane Hughes
£20.00
Something to help you reach your target
Ailsa W
£10.00
+ £2.50 Gift Aid
Good luck Andy!!
Sylvie Perez Johns
£20.00
+ £5.00 Gift Aid
Good luck Andy!
Chris and Richard
£50.00
+ £12.50 Gift Aid
With all the very best for caring to make a difference
Annie Colehan
£50.00
+ £12.50 Gift Aid
Good Luck Andy! Such a great cause! Every step makes a difference! X
Anonymous
£10.00
+ £2.50 Gift Aid
People like you making a difference
Anonymous
£26.60
+ £6.65 Gift Aid
Good Luck Andy, you are amazing, such an inspiration and I'm sure you will give it your all.
Mark
£20.00
+ £5.00 Gift Aid
Brilliant cause Andy! Good luck on the 16th.
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