The training is done and he is now busy “carb-loading” for the biggest walking challenge of his life.
Andrew Elliker-Reeve, of Beeford, near Driffield, will set out on his epic 245-mile hike next Monday (September 9) with the aim of covering 11 to 12 miles each day, with the assistance of sighted guides, over the course of three weeks. Andrew was left blind, without a colon and with no functioning spleen after surgery complications in 2020.
Negotiating the King Charles III England Coastal Path route from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Bridlington, Andrew, 64, is more than doubling his last walking challenge distance, which was 109 miles of the Cleveland Way. It was also in support of Guide Dogs UK, the charity he has helped since his own sight loss.
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In a post on his Travelling Blind page on Facebook, Andrew said: “My training has finished - yippee! But I now have the arduous task of carb loading which I shall go at with absolute gusto (of course I won't enjoy it though).
“Everything has gone as planned but we are short of two guides for Whitley Bay to South Bents (17th September) and Seaham to Hartlepool (19th September). If you, or anyone you know, can help, please DM or call me and share this post if possible.
“I am the idiot walking the full distance but without my fantastic volunteer guides the walk can't happen. But I do bribe them with chocolate.”
Andrew hopes to finish at the Gansey Girl sculpture on Bridlington's harbour top at 1pm on Sunday, September 29. He told Hull Live: “I am buzzing about this. I’ve kept healthy and not over-exercised.
“We’ve done pretty well with our guides. Last year on the Cleveland Way I ended up with one guy on one section of the route [Andrew ideally has two or three], so it does happen.
“He only had one eye, so there we were with one good eye between us, but we managed.”
Andrew hopes to raise a total of £10,000 for the charity from his endeavours this year. “We’re hoping for a good amount from the walk,” said Andrew, who also gives inspirational talks. The adventurous fundraiser, who has been in contact with all the local radio stations on his route to raise awareness, was invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May.
“I loved it, it was fantastic, even though it rained all day. It was nice walking through those gates; everyone says it of these things but you do feel special. When you hear the National Anthem being played by a band there, it’s different from anything else.”
Andrew has a JustGiving page for anyone wanting to support his walk. He has also set up a separate GoFundMe page to help with the guiding side. He said: “We have over 64 guides going off with us and they need feeding and watering; the GoFundMe will help with snacks for them.
“I’ve also got great support from Lady R,” said Andrew, using his pet-name for his wife, Rebecca. “I couldn’t do it without her.” You can message Andrew through his Travelling Blind Facebook page or call him on 07719 490803.
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