FROM APPLE ORCHARDS TO BELLY DANCERS

Over 40 people met at St. Bartholomew's church this morning to honour Tim's dream and join the start of the walk to Frankfurt and the World Cup - it was a fantastic send-off.

We set off through the apple orchards with the trees full of blossom and followed the Blackwater Rail Trail and across the fields to Maldon and Tescos, to be met by a store decked-out with England flags and staff wearing football shirts and Walk to the World Cup T-shirts.

After an interview with Essex FM, a photocall with John Whittingdale MP and scoring 2 from 3 goals in the penalty competition, we were off (20 minutes behind schedule) to Chelmsford.

We walked along the canal footpath getting wishes of good luck from the walkers we passed. Lunch was taken at Paper Mill Lock and only 12 people set off for the remaining 5 miles into Chelmsford.

The walk into the Meadows Shopping Centre was ''out of this world'' - a troupe of belly dancers met us and escorted us over the bridge where the Centre Stage dance group clapped us in to the voice of Tony Christie and Amarillo.

We had a good rest at The Meadows watching the dancing and with a large crowd of well-wishers and then walked the final 4 miles to Margaretting and the Red Lion.

The first pint tasted so good to the 6 of us who finished the day - a great start.

21 miles gone - 539 to go!