THE OVERACHIEVER

‘I may ease off next year and go for 4000 miles’

This can only be Sean Rainey, known to the community as Walker Sean. He comfortably exceeded 5500 miles this year, meaning he’s walked the equivalent of John O’Groats to Kathmandu! He’s been averaging more than 15 miles per day – an unthinkable amount for most people. So how does he do it?

‘I walk long distances to work, and I work in a huge depot, so on average I walk at least six to eight hours a day,’ explains the 54-year-old from West Sussex. ‘I’m also a trek master and do loads of ultra hikes, and go walking nearly every weekend.’

Although he’s been doing the challenge for five years he hasn’t always gone such enormous distances. ‘I used to be big and smoked heavily, so I struggled. But in the last three years I’ve upped the mileage.

‘After a massive breakdown I made the decision to help others with mental health issues, and help charities.’

And after an incredible year when he passed 1000 miles in just 66 days, he’s going to take it a little steadier next year. ‘I may ease off a bit and go for a lower target of 4000 miles.’