Veteran Close To Kayaking The Length Of Britain For Charity

A former soldier has almost finished kayaking the length of Britain as he raises money for the Royal British Legion.

Dan Smith, from Northumberland, is paddling over 800 miles in total. He said:

“I’ve had a hell of a lot of attention along the way, especially on the canals.

“When people see this kayak come past with bags strapped to it, they all want to know automatically what I am doing.

“(I’ve been) trying to tell people as quick as possible because I’ve still got miles to do!”

So far, he has paddled more than 800 miles. He is expected to also walk up to 200 miles towing his kayak between waterways.

He has currently raised more than £14,500 and says he has received a great reception everywhere he has been.

“A chap I had a good chat to donated £500 the next day, so that was amazing,” said Mr Smith.

Paul Owen met Mr Smith only two days ago but has helped him with this leg on the journey, inspired by his story and goal.

He said: “To do the whole length of Scotland and England is an amazing achievement.

“I think Dan sent off feeling it was going to be about 850 miles but I think it’s going to be substantially more – the other side of 900 by the time he’s finished.”

Despite losing his phone somewhere in the Thames, Mr Smith is looking forward to finishing his journey.

There are only less than 70 miles standing between him and his finish line in Little Hampton, near Brighton, which he hopes to reach on Saturday.