New Mills dad’s 900-mile walk for charity

Paul Rhodes will be starting his 874-mile walk from Chepstow to Chester today (Monday) in aid of UNICEF’s Children’s Emergency Fund and the Forces Children’s Trust.

The part-time climbing instructor will be carrying all his own kit including a tent, a sleeping bag and food and will be doing the walk unsupported and without any other means of transport besides his feet.

The path goes through two national parks, three areas of outstanding natural beauty and three nature reserves and past 20 castles.

The dad-of-five, 39, said: “I love to climb, cave, hike, bike and camp but I have never walked more than 30 miles in a day so this walk will be a challenge. I live right next to Kinder, so that’s my stomping ground to get fit for the walk.”

He added that he would like to thank High Street Books in New Mills, Evolution Outdoors in Chesterfield, the Rope Race Climbing Centre in Marple and SueMe Sportswear in Hertfordshire for their support.

To make a donation to the Forces Children’s Trust, visit Paul’s page at virginmoneygiving.com or to UNICEF, visit his page at fundraise.unicef.org.uk.