Steps for Recovery

A Coast to Coast Walk for Suburban North Club

At Suburban North Club, we believe in the life-changing power of 12 Step Recovery—not just for individuals, but for families and entire communities. That’s why we, Jamie and Bill, proudly serve on the SNC Board of Directors. We’ve seen firsthand how vital this work is, and we’re stepping up in a big way—literally.

While SNC is fortunate to be mortgage-free, keeping our doors open 365 days a year takes more than covering the rent. From utilities and snow removal to essential building maintenance and staffing, our annual expenses add up quickly. Meeting donations help cover wages, and SNC keeps the literature prices low to ensure accessibility—not profit.

Thanks to generous grants, SNC typically receives about $20,000 annually to help with major upkeep. Last year, we re-sealed the sidewalks. This year, it’s the parking lot—another $20,000 investment in safety and accessibility.

But Suburban North Club is dreaming bigger this year. The Board is looking for new ways to raise an additional $50,000 to support our mission of safe recovery for all. As the building ages, we will start to experience larger expenses. Window repairs, equipment replacement, increase in day to day costs - all impacting the budget. These all add up while SNC is also serving more and more people each year.

This summer, we are embarking on an epic 182 mile trek across England, walking from one British coast to the other. We are covering all our own travel and training costs, and we’re inviting Suburban North Club to walk alongside us in spirit. The goal? Raise $18,200 to support recovery, one step at a time. One mile at a time. For 182 miles in 16 days.

About the Walk

From Instagram Scroll to Epic Stroll: A Journey Across England for a Cause

We aren’t exactly Anglophiles. We don’t follow British soccer, sip tea at 4 p.m., or keep up with the Royals. But in June 2023, something unexpected happened. I, Jamie, was casually scrolling through Instagram when I stumbled upon a friend’s photos—breathtaking snapshots of rolling green hills, dramatic coastlines, and charming English villages. It wasn’t the London I had imagined. It was something else entirely—wild, peaceful, and utterly captivating.

Each day, my friend posted new images from a journey that seemed to unfold like a storybook. She was walking across England. Literally. From the Irish Sea to the North Sea. I was hooked. The route? The legendary Wainwright Coast to Coast Walk—a 193-mile trek dreamed up by British fell-walking icon Alfred Wainwright. It weaves through three of England’s most stunning national parks: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors. Since Wainwright first published his guide in 1973, the walk has become a bucket-list pilgrimage for hikers around the world.

For perspective: imagine walking from Suburban North Club to Evanston, Illinois—while climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest along the way. And I couldn’t stop thinking about it. One night, she said aloud, “This looks amazing.” Bill, ever the supporter, agreed. “Let’s do it,” he said. You have to know that we were also not (yet!) avid hikers. But just like that, a dream was born. Dreams don’t always come easy. I have battled a chronic foot injury for over a decade. Bill had both knees replaced in 2022. Add in full-time jobs and the logistics of taking weeks off, and the idea seemed impossible.

And yet—here we are. Every obstacle has been met with determination. Every “maybe someday” has turned into “why not now?” Every obstacle has been removed, as if by a Higher Power. We are not just walking for the views. We’re walking for Steps for Recovery, raising funds for a cause close to our hearts. This isn’t just a hike. It’s a testament to resilience, to second chances, and to the power of saying yes to doing something one step at a time. Just like recovery.

Training Journey

From Concrete Trails to Coastal Dreams: Our Journey to the Coast to Coast Walk

Training for a 182-mile trek across England isn’t just about lacing up your boots—it’s about grit, growth, and a whole lot of heart. Over the past two years, we’ve transformed from hopeful hikers into determined walkers, ready to take on the legendary Coast to Coast Walk.

The Challenge
The Coast to Coast has no set path—each day offers choices: steep climbs or longer routes, lakeside strolls or rugged hills. Some days are a manageable 7 miles, others stretch beyond 15. It’s a test of endurance, flexibility, and mental strength.

The Beginning
In summer 2023, I (Jamie) tackled one last round of physical therapy, determined to overcome a chronic foot injury. With the help of a dedicated therapist at IU Health, I finally found healing and hope. Both of us also committed to significant weight loss, knowing every pound shed would make each step easier.

The Wake-Up Call
In May 2024, we tested our readiness on the 7-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail. It was humbling. Our shoes failed us, our stamina faltered—but our resolve only grew stronger. That summer became a season of neighborhood walks and soul-searching.

Turning Point
A vacation to a walkable island off Virginia’s coast became our proving ground. We walked every day, even logging 15 miles on sand. For the first time, we believed: We can do this.

Springing Into Action
With time off approved, Spring 2025 became our training crucible. We started with long local walks, then added backpacks—gradually increasing to 25 pounds. We tackled rugged trails, then leaned into hill training in the rolling terrain of southern Indiana.

Ready to Rise
Now, with Memorial Day weekend ahead, we’re preparing for our final test: back-to-back long-distance hikes. We’ve trained our bodies, tested our gear, and strengthened our spirits. We’re not just ready—we’re excited.

Date Trail Distance Elevation
15 MarchMidland Trace Trail, Noblesville, IN9.75 miles115 feet
22 MarchMidland Trace Trail, Noblesville, IN10.5 miles131 feet
29 MarchMonon Trail, Hamilton County, IN16.5 miles213 feet
5 AprilIndoor track – rain accommodation4.5 miles0 feet
12 AprilWestwood Park, Henry County, IN10 miles632 feet
26 AprilYellowwood State Forest, Nashville, IN9.5 miles564 feet
3 MayFort Harrison MTB, Indianapolis, IN10 miles456 feet
10 MayThree Lakes, Martinsville, IN11 miles1,224 feet
17 MayTBD
24 MayTBD
25 MayTBD
26 MayTBD
31 MayTBD
7 JuneTBD

Support a Specific Mile (or Miles)

Support the Journey

Pledge and Donation Dashboard

Pledged: $656 | Collected: $0
Goal: $18,200