Former gunner completes epic 9,000-mile charity walk
After two-and-a-half years, a British Army veteran has completed a mammoth coastal walk of the UK.
Former gunner Dan McNeil took on the challenge to raise money for the military charity SSAFA to hopefully make a difference to the lives of veterans struggling with financial difficulties and mental health challenges.
After leaving the Army, Dan was diagnosed with a debilitating autoimmune disease which led him spiralling into depression. SSAFA supported Dan in turning his life around.
He set off from Sandyhills in March 2021 to walk around the UK's coastline - including more than 60 islands - and has now returned to that spot having completed the challenge.
The Royal Artillery veteran has been walking pretty much non-stop since then, apart from a week he took off to attend his best friends wedding. The challenge has so far raised over £30,000 - which was Dan's original goal.
Dan says the walk has changed him: "I’ve undergone significant personal growth, both physically and mentally.
"Not only have I improved my physical fitness, but I’ve also developed essential virtues such as discipline, courage, resilience, and self-confidence.
"These qualities have enabled me to maintain a stoic mindset, which has been instrumental in my continuous walk along the UK coastline.”
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