Grahams’ Travels Home: The Last Day

So, here I was.

In Kinross Service station, holed up in a Travel Lodge with my bank account blocked. Hungry, but with no access to money.

My friend Pip had been called by Natwest on my account’s registered phone but was told nothing could be done because I, the account holder wasn’t present. So I phoned them up and was told that nothing could be done because I wasn’t calling on the account’s registered phone so, other than contacting the fraud department on Monday, I had to contact them on the phone registered with them or call into my local branch; both of which were nigh on 500 miles away.

I phoned Pip. “Pass me over to Julie” she stated. The wonderful receptionist Julie, who was aware of my dilemma and, through conversation, my fundraising hike, was becoming more wonderful by the minute. She’d already helped me out by going above and beyond her job as a receptionist. I entered reception and handed Pip over. I left Pip and Julie to chat.

With all the stress, I’d neglected my bladder. It needed attention.
On my return, Julie handed Pip back to me, beaming. Speaking to Pip, she informed me that she had transferred £50 to Julie’s account who would then give it to me in cash. As she subsequently did!  I was floundered! What followed was the most warmest of hugs from the wonderful Julie.

Then, having eaten, I took an early night, ready to once again, hit the road. The following morning, with case packed and  ‘suitably’ dressed in my Top Hat and tails, I pondered on my next day of hiking. Suddenly, the idea of hiking the 500 miles back filled me with absolute dread. I couldn’t do it. I felt positively nauseous at the thought of standing at the side of the road. I was both physically and spiritually, spent. It was then I realised my trek had come to an end.

I needed rest.

I phoned Pip who not only booked me another night at the Travel Lodge that would see me through to Monday, but also, online, a bus and a train back home; a place I now longed to be. Now resigned to the fact that my trek was done, with the remains of my Scottish notes I bought food and stuff to get me through the day. The ‘stuff’ was to drown my sorrows and there were a lot of sorrows to drown!

That day; Sunday, was spent alternating between my room to drown those sorrows and spending time with the wonderful Julie at reception, sharing much conversation and numerous hugs. Julie, the receptionist, was also, for that day, my guardian angel. Without her help during my stay, I would have undoubtedly been in a dilemma; a dilemma with no solution. After only meeting her an ‘eventful 24hrs earlier, Julie became not just a saviour, but also a dear friend. Thank you Julie.

The following morning, now dressed in civvies, I headed out to catch my bus home. Julie wasn’t there.  I handed over my keys and nodded a thankyou to the receptionist.

I’m home now. Saddened I wasn’t able to complete my journey.

Proud that I actually hitchhiked over 1,100 miles, happy to have a new friend, and so very grateful to all who have supported and sponsored me on my trek. A trek that has raised, after out of pocket expenses, in excess of £4,000 for Bob the Bus and Totnes Caring.

Thank you so much

Graham is now home from hitchhiking to raise funds for Bob the Bus and Totnes Caring and the crowdfunder link is still available here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/graham-walker-998

Read More on this Story:

DAY ONE: https://www.totnespulse.co.uk/thats-it-im-off-graham-walker-starts-his-trip-day-one/

DAY TWO: https://www.totnespulse.co.uk/well-what-a-dream-start/

DAY THREE: https://www.totnespulse.co.uk/grahams-travels-day-three/

DAY FOUR: https://www.totnespulse.co.uk/graham-to-john-ogroats-day-four/

DAY FIVE: https://www.totnespulse.co.uk/graham-to-john-ogroats-day-five-arrival/

DAY SIX: https://www.totnespulse.co.uk/disgusting-behaviour-day-six/

DAY SEVEN: https://www.totnespulse.co.uk/jimmy-julie-and-jeopardy-grahams-travels-day-seven/