Children in Need's Coast Walker to spend Hogmanay in Aberdeen
Former Atlantic rower and dad of three Chris Howard The Coast Walker is to spend hogmanay in Aberdeen as he continues his mammoth walk round the coast of Britain. He’ll arrive on 31st December, stay overnight and he needs YOUR help to raise funds for Children in Need.
Lockdown gave Chris a lot of time to think about how lucky his children are, but also to think about those who are in more difficult circumstances. He decided to turn the negative impact of coronavirus into something positive to give people and young people hope. Chris gave himself one year to complete the colossal 11000 mile challenge.
Relying on Community
He left Heacham in Norfolk on the 26th July and has braved the elements, carrying everything required to survive with him…mainly just a lightweight cook system and a bivvy bag to sleep in.
In big cities no one seems to talk to me or say hello. I’m really hoping Aberdeen might be different.
Chris Howard | The Coast Walker
Chris has relied on community for food and occasional accommodation to help him through his challenge since he set out. He told us ”Sometimes that’s been incredible and people have been hugely generous. Other times I’ve not spoken to anyone for weeks at a time and I’ve just wanted to cry. In big cities no one seems to talk to me or say hello, despite wearing a big backpack with a yellow pudsey flag. I’m really hoping Aberdeen might be different, especially as I’ll be spending NYE there!!!”
BBC Children in Need
BBC Children in Need works throughout the year to ensure that every child in the UK has a safe, happy and secure childhood, and the chance to reach their full potential. It relies on the energy and commitment of thousands of fundraisers and supporters across the UK, who donate their time and money to put on events supporting the Appeal.
Donations are being accepted via The Coast Walker’s website www.thecoastwalker.com
Chris has previously devised and participated in challenges such as rowing the Atlantic, long distance cycle rides and marathons. He’s always pushed himself hard to achieve things for the benefit of others. This time is different in that he’ll be entirely alone for long periods surviving on his wits, foraging and sleeping in the open and walking up to 30 miles a day for a whole year.
Christmas Challenges
The colder weather has brought out the kindness in folk. Chris told us “as the weather has gotten colder people have been kind and friendly so far down the East coast. I’d not been used to seeing people having spent so long in the empty west and far north but I’m now on the home stretch at least having started in Norfolk 376 days ago (headed south).
He earned a well deserved break at Christmas, managing to celebrate with his family. He explained, “I got to take two days off to see my wife & children who came up to Inverness to meet me. I’d not seen them for nearly 6 months but now having said goodbye to them again I’m more determined than ever to get home.”
How to follow The Coast Walker’s progress
The Coast Walker website
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About POST
Kevin Mitchell and Chris Sansbury founded POST. This was from a desire to cut through the noise to share the great things that happen in Aberdeen. They focus on community, culture and also the interesting people of the city. The local artists, businesses and charities; photographers, musicians and entertainers. These are the people that make a positive impact on our city every day. So they use video, audio, writing and social media to amplify the voices in our community. And to ultimately give a platform to Aberdeen folk to engage and tell their own stories.
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