Alex’s 800-mile walking challenge for charity

Story posted on February 16, 2021

LOCAL man Alex Humphries has put on his walking boots to walk 800 miles for charity.

“It’s not possible to walk from John O’Groats to Lands End presently, which is what I wanted to do, because of Covid restrictions,” said Alex. “So I got creative and have begun walking portions of the 800 miles by doing multiple local walks, criss-crossing my home area of Westbury daily- with the accumulated miles ultimately reaching 800.”

Alex has set a fundraising target of £2,000 for the charity Tearfund and has so far raised over £300.

“Tearfund is a charity that works in areas across the world delivering aid, help,” explains Alex, “doing it in a manner which aims to provide ongoing support. 

“They actually stay with these people to help them build a better sustainable future. They help in war-torn areas, areas of drought and when corrupt governments leave their people with nothing, to mention but a few.”

So far, Alex has clocked up 102 miles on walks in the local area. “I am averaging 4.45 miles a day,” said Alex. “So 800 miles at the current rate would take 179 days. But I started the walk 5-stone overweight, and wearing heavy winter walking boots and unfit on the 14th January.

“I have since got fitter, have lighter boots, and should lose extra weight. So the plan is to increase my daily walks now, my last walk being 14.43km.”

To support Alex and donate, visit the website: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alex-humphries5