Kibworth & Smeeton WI
Carol Marsden’s talk ‘Carol’s Capers, Adventuring for Charity’ certainly lived up to its title.
Retired from the NHS, she has completed many challenges. She was asked to raise money for ‘PROSTAID’ to provide a specialist nurse for men.
Scary challenges included abseiling down a tower in Northampton, sky-diving after one day’s training and zip-wiring off a tower in the North. (She screamed all the way down!)
Carol received 60 challenges in her 60th year. People suggested ideas such as climbing Ben Nevis, appearing on television (on ‘Bargain Hunt’ and ‘The Chase’, where Bradley noticed her snazzy shoes and making a quilt, which resulted in 50 quilts, which she raffles. – She hates sewing!)
She receives donations from family, friends and through a ‘Just Giving’ webpage. People pay more for scary activities!
Carol undertakes big challenges through a specialist company. Her trek across the Sahara in 2023 cost £3,500 for expenses. They camped and, because this was an extreme challenge, had a doctor, supporters and two camels for carrying equipment. Carol isn’t keen on camels, but one loved and followed her everywhere! Her friend Valerie loves them, but they tried to bite her! They started early and took a three-hour break in the hottest part of the day. Food was delicious, sunsets spectacular.
Husky sledding across Lapland was very challenging because Carol was afraid of dogs. On the trails they each ran their four dogs and sleds themselves and were totally responsible for the care of their animals – feeding, poop-scooping and ensuring their safety. This became her favourite challenge because she learned to love dogs and now has two of her own.
Carol fundraises by giving talks and feels she has one more big challenge in her. She says “Never Say Never. Think Maybe. Then Say Yes!”
It was lovely to see members of our community and ladies from other WIs at our recent fashion show. We hope they enjoyed it as much as we did – and bagged some great bargains!
Pat Sharman
The History of The Well
