Western Morning News (Saturday)
Walkers raise over £40k for SW Coast Path
People from all over the South West have put their best foot forward to raise more than £40,000 to mark the 40th anniversary of the South West Coast Path.
The #40FOR40 campaign, launched by the South West Coast Path Association, has raised £43,077 that will go towards protecting, maintaining and improving the path.
Climate change is bringing more frequent and severe storms to batter the coastline of the South West.
The past year’s weather has taken its toll on the path, from the “Beast from the East”, damaging storms Brian, Emma and Callum, followed by a scorching summer.
Being exposed to the elements and the feet of millions of walkers means the coast path needs constant attention to keep it accessible and in good condition.
Julian Gray, director of the South West Coast Path Association, said: “The path is essential to our economy, sustaining more than 11,000 jobs and attracting over nine million visitors a year who spend in excess of £500 million in the region.
“It also serves as a place for all of us to improve our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, making it one of our most valuable assets.
The campaign gained support from well-known outdoor enthusiasts like TV’s Julia Bradbury, five-time Olympian Jo Pavey and ultra-marathon runner Damian Hall.
Jo Pavey said: “I’m thrilled that the association has managed to exceed its fundraising target. The path is incredibly precious and we’re so lucky to have a charity working to pro- tect, maintain and improve it for all of us to enjoy.
“It’s also incredibly uplifting to know that so many people care about looking after it and have shown their support by donating or fundraising to the #40FOR40 campaign.”
Individuals and groups from all over the region walked, ran or organised community fundraisers to help the charity reach its £40,000 target.
Donations came in from walking groups including the Totnes Ramblers who supported in memory of Edward Franklin who loved the coast path.
Becca Mabelle, from Plymouth, who ran 10 marathons in 10 days, said: “The trails are my playground, my happy place.
“I was lucky enough to spend 10 consecutive days in the summer on the coast path and I saw it in all its glory.”
Paul Eddy, from Camborne, walked 40 miles with his fiancé Lindsay and raised more than £400. He said: “Walking is my passion, but it has become so though the journey of recovery from alcoholism, anxiety and depression.
“I have been so fortunate to have rediscovered my past love for the path, which now gives me the space to completely relax and walk my mind clear without the need for medication, which once replaced the alcohol I had used to mask my issues.”
Jennie Bayliss, from Portland in Dorset, who walked 400 of the path’s 630 miles in 34 days, said: “It was every bit as challenging as I thought, but most surprising was the deep inner peace I found.”