Pippa writes, “Joining the Murray Parish Trust www.themurrayparishtrust.com at the end of January, just before a major operation that would put me out of action for at least six weeks, was always going to be a challenge. However, with the arrival of Covid-19, schools closed the same day I was discharged, just 48 hours after an 8-hour operation, so home-schooling took precedence over recuperation and charity fundraising became an even bigger challenge with all the planned projects and events cancelled.
Home-schooling “Heggie-style” consisted of lots of cooking (I now have two very proficient bakers); dog walks with a purpose – like foraging wild garlic to make pesto and litter-picking; growing vegetables and masses of crafting projects. With no imminent return to school, we clothed a pair of scarecrows with uniforms, recycling at its best – although I think they looked a bit too friendly to scare the rather well-fed wood pigeons that have enjoyed much of our produce. With overseas holiday plans abandoned, we enjoyed a brilliant fortnight within a stone’s throw of home: a five-day sailing course on the Solent; cycling in the New Forest; kayaking on the Hamble River; visiting Stonehenge and lots of walking in the South Downs and eating out at fabulous local pubs.
The charity’s plans continue to be disrupted by the ongoing situation, but we have some exciting projects in the pipeline to look forward to, do follow our journey advancing paediatric emergency medicine in the South of England.”