71-Year-Old Walks from Land’s End to John O’Groats and Back for Children’s Charity

Fundraiser Chris Stanbury has completed an extraordinary journey on Tuesday 26th August, walking from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back again while raising money for the charity Hope and Homes for Children.

The 71-year-old, known as the Pink Hat Man, covered more than 2,500 miles in 146 days after setting out from Land’s End on Thursday 3rd April. He reached the northern tip of Scotland at John O’Groats on 23rd June before turning around and taking a more direct route back to Cornwall.

“I wanted to achieve something memorable following my 70th birthday and the money raised from my walk will transform the lives of many children currently trapped in orphanages,” said Chris.

Supporting Hope and Homes for Children

Hope and Homes for Children has been working since 1994 to improve the lives of children living in orphanages. Today more than 5.4 million children are confined in institutions worldwide, even though 80% of them are not orphans. The charity operates in nine countries with teams of child protection professionals, helping children return to family life.

The organisation is supported by well-known figures including Dame Kristen Scott Thomas, Gary Oldman, Natalie Pinkham and Nick Hewer.

A Journey Across the UK

Chris’s route took him along many iconic paths including the Cotswold Way, the Jubilee Way, Offa’s Dyke, the Wales Coast Path, all 268 miles of the Pennine Way, the West Highlands Way and the entire length of the Lancaster Canal, where his pink-coloured electric narrowboat, elektra, is currently moored.

The outward journey from Cornwall to Scotland covered 1,344 miles with a total ascent of more than 140,000 feet, while the return walk added another 1,097 miles with 82,033 feet of ascent.

Every day he posted a video on Instagram documenting his progress, often including interviews with people he met along the way. Nearly 200 supporters have donated so far to his appeal.

How to Support

Chris is aiming to raise £70,000 through his walk. Donations can be made to the charity via his JustGiving page, where links to his Instagram and YouTube channels can also be found.