Reffley man to walk from Coast to Coast for charity

A man from Reffley is set to walk Coast to Coast later this month to raise hundreds for charity.

Andy Barwick will walk 200 miles from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire over two weeks for children’s cancer charity Clic Sargent.

Andy decided he wanted to take on the challenge two years ago, having seen about it on TV.

“I thought ‘that would be really good to do’,” he said.

The walk starts in Cumbria on Wednesday, June 20 and will see Andy and his friends trek between 15 and 20 miles each day.

The Wainwright Coast to Coast walk covers three national parks, the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.

“I’m looking forward to it, I think it will be amazing, but it’s just the thought of walking nearly 20 miles every day with my backpack carrying everything including tents and clothes,” Andy added.

“I do go on little walks around here but it’s so flat that you can’t really get the practice in.”

A long weekend spent in Snowdonia has helped prepare him for his challenge though.

Andy, who works at Morrisons, decided to support the company’s charity partner Clic Sargent, who will match the total he raises.

His fundraising target is £475, and he has currently gathered more than £300 with just a few weeks to go.

“I have lost a few people through cancer,” he said.

“This money can help pay for little things like toys or helping parents out with one-to-ones.

“If anyone could spare any money for this great cause, that would be brilliant.”

To support Andy’s fundraising, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andrew-barwick3 or text CCAB49 £3 to 70070.