Langley Prep pupils join Sprowston mum in walking challenge

Louisa Dye from Sprowston lost her father Stuart Clarke to pancreatic cancer in 2006.  

More recently, the 44-year-old also lost her mother Christine to breast cancer and its secondaries in 2021. 

Louisa was pleased to have her children and the whole school behind her (Image: Louisa Dye)

Louisa was walking from Sprowston to Whitlingham one day when she came up with the idea to walk 500 miles inspired by the popular Proclaimers song to raise money for the oncology unit at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.  

At the beginning of the month Scottish rock duo The Proclaimers, who were behind the number one hit single sent Louisa a video message to wish her well for her large challenge.  

And on March 16, more than 130 pupils from Langley Prep at Taverham Hall School from years six, seven and eight joined Louisa for a two-mile stomp. 

Louisa was joined by more than 130 pupils on Thursday (Image: Louisa Dye)

The school is attended by her children Henry, 12 and Emily, 10.  

Louisa said: “It was so lovely to have to many people support me, the children were asking me questions on how many miles to go. 

“It was amazing to have my children and the school so behind me – I feel like a very lucky girl.” 

Louisa Dye is walking 500 miles in the month of March in memory of her parents (Image: Louisa Dye)

Louisa has just 143 miles to go of her challenge which will finish on March 31 and is pushing through her shin splints and blisters as she is ahead of her schedule. 

She has raised more money than she ever set out to do having now made more than 100pc of her original target with many more donations coming through each day.  

The mother of two said: “I think I will definitely be wearing slippers for the party I will be holding on March 31.” 

The Langley Prep pupils joined her for two miles (Image: Louisa Dye)