Brackley man set to celebrate 35th birthday with gruelling 192-mile walk across England
A Brackley man will celebrate his 35th birthday by taking on a gruelling 192-mile coast-to-coast walk across England in aid of a mental health charity.
Instead of marking his birthday with a meal or drink, Daniel Harrison is opting for something a bit more challenging and memorable.
The Brackley resident hopes to walk almost 200 miles from St Bees in Cumbria, all the way to Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire, in between 12 and 14 days.
He will set off from the Irish Sea coast on July 4 and hopes to reach the North Sea coast in time to celebrate his birthday.
In completing the walk, Daniel will have to navigate three national parks, climb around 30,000 feet of elevation and sleep in a tent for two weeks.
Daniel said: “It’s nearly two weeks of blisters, unpredictable British weather, questionable navigation and carrying everything I own on my back like a confused, exhausted tortoise.”
Dan has also set himself the added challenge of raising funds for suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably.
Speaking about the charity, Daniel said: “This isn’t just about celebrating a birthday in the most uncomfortable way possible.
“I’m doing this in support of Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), an incredible charity working to prevent suicide and support mental health, particularly for men.
“The reality is tough: the biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK is suicide. Every two hours, a man loses his life. It’s a devastating statistic, and one that highlights just how important it is to have support available when people need it most.
“CALM provides that support — offering helplines, guidance, and a safe space for people to talk when they’re struggling. They’re there in those moments where someone feels like there’s no way out, helping them realise they’re not alone and that it’s okay to say, “I’m not okay.”
Daniel has set up an Instagram page so supporters can follow the trials and tribulations he encounters during the gruelling challenge.
To follow his journey, visit: https://www.instagram.com/danvscoast2coast?igsh=d25yaW90Nm15cW01
For more information about the challenge or to donate to Daniel’s fundraiser visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/dan-walks-coast2coast?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL