84 Miles – Walking the Wall so Others Can Climb Theirs

On the morning of 15 August, my daughter and Consort, Liliana, and I will stand on the windswept shores of Bowness-on-Solway, gazing eastward. Ahead of us lies Hadrian’s Wall Path—84 miles of rugged coast, rolling farmland, windswept moorland, and ancient Roman history—ending at Wallsend on 21 August.

For seven days, we will walk the Wall in its entirety, west to east, through rain or shine (and possibly both in the same hour—this is Britain, after all). It will be a test of stamina, spirit, and determination.

We are doing this for a purpose far greater than ourselves: to raise vital funds for The Fuellers Charitable Trust and our mission of "Fuelling the Future".

Established in 1983, the Fuellers Charitable Trust Fund’s primary aims are the relief of poverty, the advancement of education, research, and assistance through awards, prizes, and donations—particularly in areas connected to energy.

For the first three days, we will be joined by Chloë Andrews-Jones—Chair of the Fuellers Charitable Trust Fund and Past Master. Her unwavering commitment to the Trust will bring added spirit to the challenge, as together we put our best feet forward for a cause that is central to all Fuellers.

For centuries, charity has been at the heart of the City of London Livery movement. Its 113 Livery Companies and 45,000 members work together, pooling their resources, time, and skills in shared philanthropic endeavour. Every Company is focused on being a force for good—and in 2024, the Livery’s aggregate giving was an extraordinary £81 million.

Every mile we walk is for someone striving to climb their own metaphorical wall. With each blister and each step, we hope to break down barriers, open opportunities, and prove that when determination meets generosity, remarkable things happen.