Hi, I'm Gary. I've recently retired after serving as a firefighter for over 35 years. I'm also a grandfather of 2, so clearly not as young as I'd like to think I am! I've helped out at Rock Foundation UK as a volunteer for 8 or 9 years. I drive their van and do lots of lifting and carrying, so I'm hoping my rucksack will be fairly light in comparison to some of the things I've carried for them! 😂

On Tuesday 8th April, I will be starting a 1,200 mile walk from Lands End to John O’Groats. I have set myself this challenge as a personal goal and also to raise vital funds for the students at Rock Foundation UK.

I enjoy the outdoors and walking/backpacking. I've completed a couple of long distance walks in the past: Coast to coast from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire, and The Pennine Way from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm, just over the Scottish border. Nothing on this scale though, so I'm stepping into the unknown.

I enjoy challenging myself. I remember reading that the human body is capable of far more than most of us ask of it (or perhaps have the time to ask of it!), so I'm looking forward to this series of little walks 😋 and hoping to enjoy the journey from one end of our island to the other.

Thank you to everyone that is able to donate. All donations will go directly to the Rock Foundation UK and will be helping to improve the lives of young people and adults with learning disabilities and those who are disadvantaged.