A LONG distance walker will be stepping out along the South East Cornwall coast path today as part of his 11,000 mile round-Britain mission for Children in Need.

Chris Howard, from Cambridge, set off from Norfolk on July 29, and has now completed more than 1500 miles of his continuous journey.

Walking the challenging South West Peninsula path and being battered by Storm Alex in recent days, Chris admits he was “cold and starving” at various points last week.

The Cornish coastline and its exposed cliffs will present the toughest terrain yet, he thinks, particularly as the change of weather means there are less people out walking and he finds himself alone for much of the time.

But on the journey so far, random acts of kindness have made a huge difference, and Chris is hoping that the people of Cornwall will encourage him en route by keeping him company, donating to Children in Need, or simply buying him a cup of coffee.

The dad of three and former Atlantic rower will be heading from Cremyll around Rame this morning and should get into Looe this afternoon. He aims to complete his year-long walk of the coastline of mainland Britain to help the BBC Children in Need appeal.

“I felt it was time to turn the negative impact of coronavirus into something positive to give people and young people hope,” said Chris, who has given himself one year to complete the mammoth challenge.

To see where Chris is now, go to: https://thecoastwalker.com/where%E2%80%99s-chris%3F

Leaving behind his wife and three daughters, he is documenting his journey on social media @christhecoastwalker, and hosting virtual talks with schools and community groups along the way.

Chris is braving the elements whilst carrying with him everything required to survive, including a lightweight cook system and bivvy bag to sleep in. So far he’s piqued the interest of several corporate sponsors – including Costswold Outdoors, Vivo Barefoot and OS maps - who’ve donated kit and supplies.

The reactions on social media and from people he has met en route over past 10 weeks, are helping keep Chris’s spirits high as the season changes to to autumn.

“I’ve realised people are genuinely kind and it’s the people that make the places I’m seeing,” he continued

“Last week I met a man on the beach who had heard I was walking along that stretch and he waited for me all day. He had bought me a bag of fruit, a bottle of water and cup of tea.

“Random acts of kindness like this are making a massive difference.”

To find out more and support Chris visit www.thecoastwalker.com or simply walk a few miles with him when he’s on your stretch of the coastline.