In April, I'll be setting out alone on the Pacific Crest Trail*, a 2,650-mile trek from the Mexican border in California to Manning Park, Canada. I'll meet 700 miles of desert (excellent choice for my complexion, I'm sure you'll agree), then high sierra and even temperate rainforest, before crossing into the land of maple syrup and progressive politics.


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I promise to give you as many miles for your money as I can. And whatever amount you can spare, even if it’s pennies, your support means the world to me.

Sponsor me a penny for every sweaty, sweary, dusty mile of the PCT and that's just £26.50.

Or you could be a peach and round it up to £27, for wrong turns/faffing to and from resupply towns, and that time you inevitably leave your trekking poles at the top of the hill you've just booted down.

Walking so far with my life on my back is frankly terrifying, but as well as looking inwards to wobbly resolve and self-reliance, I want to make a difference to lives beyond my own. That thought will keep me going through every dodgy water source, 1,000m climb and 20kg carry.

If you want to reserve judgement til I complete the thing, more power to you. I'll see you in October.

However you choose to support me - big love and thank you. Follow www.phillybyrde.com for updates, pics and GoreTex chat.

*Yes, for devotees of Reese Witherspoon's work (aren't we all) it is the trail in Wild.