Veteran prepares for hiking challenge in aid of RBL
AN army veteran is preparing himself for an epic challenge that will see him walk 100 miles of Cornwall’s coastline, wild camping along the way.
Steve Nicholls, 57, is the president of Camborne’s Royal British Legion branch and will be raising funds for the charity in its centenary year.
His expedition will start at The Keep in Bodmin on May 3 and finish at the Camborne Parish Church War Memorial on Saturday May 8.
From there it will be back to the memorial where Steve will lead the Victory in Europe Day service.
Steve said: “With Covid it’s been a difficult year for our branch to raise money and awareness of what the Royal British Legion does.
“Usually we are out and about at Trevithick Day, Camborne Show and remembrance events, but things are different at the moment.
“I wanted to do something to help the charity in its 100th year so decided on the walk. I’ve done charity walks before but wanted to do it solo, wild camping along the way.
“I’m feeling good about it. I served in the army for 39 years so am used to planning things and adapting.
“My training walks are into double figures now and I’m used to carrying my sleeping bag, tent and food.”
Steve says the Camborne RBL branch has between 75 and 80 members but the branch isn’t as active as it used to be.
He added: “The RBL is the biggest veteran’s charity in the country and I wanted to keep doing my bit.
“I’ll be taking it steady but am confident I can complete it.”
Steve Nicholls’ fundraising page can be found on the JustGiving website.