This summer, I am taking an extended period of leave from work to walk the Southwest Coast Path. This is the walk of a lifetime and until recently when the King Charles Path opened, it was traditionally the UK’s longest national trail.

I am raising funds for both the Beccles and Lowestoft Salvation Army projects in the area where I work, in recognition of the great services and support they provide in our community. All funds raised will be split 50/50 between the two projects.

On my recent visits to the Beccles branch, I saw around fifty people eating together in a warm, sociable environment. I was really impressed to learn that they offer subsidised two course meals with a hot drink for all adults, including people experiencing homelessness, those on low incomes, and older people. The Salvation Army does so much more to support vulnerable adults and children in our communities.

The Southwest Coast Path is considered one of the UK’s ultimate long distance hiking challenges: a 630 mile journey around the coastline of England’s southwest peninsula. The route includes more than 115,000 ft of ascent and descent, which is the equivalent of climbing Snowdon 48 times, Ben Nevis 26 times, or Mount Everest 4 times.

Starting at Minehead in Somerset, the path follows the coastline of Exmoor, continues along the coast of North Devon into Cornwall, follows the entire Cornish coastline, crosses the mouth of the River Tamar, and continues along South Devon before finally tracing the Dorset Jurassic coastline and finishing at Poole Harbour near Bournemouth.

I plan to start the hike in May and finish end of July, walking every single metre of the path. The journey will take me approximately ten weeks. I have increased my training, running, weight training, and plenty of time on the stepper machine at the gym to prepare for the challenge.

I have set an initial target of £630 to raise £1 for every mile I walk!

I would be grateful to anyone who would like to sponsor me, every contribution will help.

Many thanks

Michael