“I never considered that I wouldn’t achieve it, I even joked about how I would complete it if I broke my leg!”
Paul
The inspiration for the coastal walk
Paul Mackinnon’s decision to do a coastal walk was a very personal one after his dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 1998 and given a three-month prognosis.
Paul, from Bracknell, remembers his dad, Alan, as someone who loved sport, social events, and family get togethers. Someone “everyone loved.” He survived for 15 months with various treatments, and was well cared for at London’s Hammersmith Hospital, but died in 1999. He was 54.
Paul said: “Dad was a large character who loved life, and was as much a friend as a Dad. He was kind and caring to those close to him, and loved his family. He really enjoyed a good laugh and loved a bit of banter. His was a horrific illness, but he was so brave and selfless throughout. He was so pleased that he saw his first Grandson, my oldest, before he died.
“This year, August 2024, was the 25th Anniversary of his passing. I had to mark this with something in his memory and it had to be a good challenge. I love long distance walking and the South West Coastal Path is the longest National path in the UK, so it seemed apt. We used to have camping holidays in Cornwall and Devon as children, and I have returned and holidayed there myself in later years, so I knew it would remind me of so many great memories.”
The coastal walk training plan
The South West Coastal path – all 630 miles of it, from Minehead to Swanage – is no easy challenge so Paul trained consistently in advance of the coastal walk.
He said: “I always walk, but six months before the challenge I increased my walking with friends and family. I would walk twice a week, around 10-12 miles each time, and then increased this to three days a week for the last few months walking around 30 to 40 miles a week.
“As for the challenge itself, I had a strict itinerary and plan, and had no flexibility. Accommodation was planned and booked as I was walking consecutive days with no gaps. The average walking day was around 16 miles ranging from 10 to 22 miles. The path itself is 630 miles, but when you add extra mileage to get to accommodation, walking around estuaries, path diversions due to landslides etc, the final total was 725 miles! It took me 47 days, which included an extra walking day around Portland, two restock and recuperation days, and two travel days.
“I never considered that I wouldn’t achieve it, I even joked about how I would complete it even if I broke my leg. A lot of planning, so many people supporting me, and the cause helped my mindset and my determination to complete it. I tried to concentrate and break it down to one day at a time, and not look too far ahead.”
Keeping going
Tough terrain, transport problems and difficult weather conditions all threatened to derail Paul’s careful plans.
He explained: “The terrain was very tricky and very steep at times, it is said that it is comparable to scaling Mount Everest four times!
“Cancelled ferries at some estuaries meant extra miles, or wading through with a full backpack. The weather was tough at times with high winds and torrential rain on tricky high cliff edge paths. I also had several hot days in the beginning which is draining when carrying a full backpack.”
Despite its challenges, the spectacular scenery, plentiful wildlife, and the support of family and friends at various stages kept his spirits high.
“The long sandy beaches of Woolacombe, Westward Ho! and Perran Sands were lovely. And it was always fantastic to meet family and friends at the end of a long day when they joined me.
“There was so much wildlife along the way. For example, pods of seals in coves; kestrels and other birds of prey; deer, ponies, even jumping tuna fish! Some standout memories are wading through the River Erme and River Gannal estuaries during the coastal walk with my backpack above my head!
“I did most of the walk solo, and it was difficult to say goodbye to family and friends when they were leaving you solo again! I found it useful to just think of what the day ahead was going to be, and enjoy the beauty of everything.
“I constantly reminded myself that I was so lucky to be able to do it, having so much support and wellwishers, and the purpose of the coastal walk.”
Raising over £7,000!
Also keeping Paul going was the thought of the money he was raising to make a difference to other families affected by brain tumours. Having completely smashed his original £1000 target, he’s so grateful for the donations and support he’s received:
“I loved my Dad dearly and was so proud of how he coped with his illness. He took part in drug trials hoping that it would help him, but if not maybe help others. It is such a terrible illness and it is still taking people far too early and if I have raised awareness then that makes me happy. I know how important it is to raise money to help continue research and I am so proud of everyone that supported the cause.”
Paul’s advice for anyone tempted to take on a fundraising challenge?
“Pick something you enjoy, plan and train, appreciate the difficulties so you are prepared, and go for it!”
Take part in a charity challenge!
If you’re inspired by everyone’s efforts, you’ll be excited to hear that you can take part in your own charity challenge. Our Community Fundraising team will be happy to support!