Woman's 300-mile walk for 'life-changing' charity
A woman who battled alcohol addiction is giving back to the charity that "changed her life".
Clare Pretty began her rehabilitation in 2015 with Norwich-based Hebron Housing, which provides supported living for vulnerable women.
She now works for the charity and this June will join its CEO, Emma Pawsey, on a 300-mile walk to raise money.
Ms Pretty said finishing the walk, from Norwich to the village of Hebron in Northumberland, would be a way of helping other women get the help that had made an "amazing difference" to her life.
"I'm originally from London, but I relocated to Norwich into Hebron's 'move on' house... to build on my self esteem and my confidence.
"From being in addiction for many, many years and being in denial about it, and from being in my deepest, darkest despair, it's changed my life, and changed me into the person I am today," she said.
If you have been affected by this story or would like support then you can find organisations which offer help and information at the BBC Action Line.
The challenge has been called the Hebron-to-Hebron Walk, because they are going from Hebron Housing to the village of Hebron in Northumberland.
The two women will take no food or money and aim to get there by relying on the generosity of the people they meet.
A Hebron-to-Hebron Walk was also attempted in 2018, when they went from Norwich to the village of Hebron in Wales.
"It was unbelievable last time, the kindness of strangers," Ms Pretty said.
"We got lifts on tractors, in delivery vans, and by hitchhiking. We met some wonderful people."
Hebron Housing, which helps those fleeing domestic abuse, in recovery from an addiction and at risk of homelessness, has been providing supported living for 38 years.
Ms Pawsey said "We have a constant waiting list for our service sadly, and women are in need.
"Women are coming to us from very difficult situations, and have very often not had the support they've needed their entire life.
"They come to us and we give them a beautiful home and bespoke, high level support.
"We help with accessing work and training, but also if someone has severe mental health problems and they perhaps can't even get up in the morning, we make sure they get up, go for a walk, and get out of the house at least once a day."
Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Domestic violence 'driving factor' in homelessness
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