A former soldier didn’t let his birthday get in the way of his fundraising challenge.
Dan McNeil from Dalbeattie is walking the whole of the UK coastline in aid of Armed Forces charity SSAFA, which helped him after he left the 19 Regiment Royal Artillery.
Monday was his birthday and it was due to see him arrive in London, where he would meet up with partner Charlotte Brook.
The pair met during his walk last year and they have since walked hundreds of miles together, although Charlotte is currently taking a break.
Dan said: “I’ve really been missing Charlotte but she is coming to see me for my birthday. There have been some ups and downs on my journey so far but meeting Charlotte was definitely the best day so far.”
He began his epic journey from Sandyhills in March 2021 in a bid to give something back to SSFA and he is now more than halfway round the UK coastline.
Towards the end of his military career, Dan was diagnosed with auto-immune disease and struggled with chronic pain, leading to him being discharged from the Army.
His life was on a negative spiral and he was contemplating suicide when he asked SSAFA for help.
Dan said: “I joined the Army when I was 16 and served in 19 Regiment Royal Artillery. Since returning to civilian life it has been tough for me dealing with chronic pain, depression, and anxiety.
“This simple act of kindness somehow lifted a weight off my shoulders and allowed me to see a way out of my hopelessness. I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done. A bit later, lockdown challenged my mental health again, especially not having a job and a routine. One day I sat quietly and meditated for four hours, asking the world what I needed to do. Finally the answer came to me – walk.”
To support Dan visit justgiving.com/fundraising/danwalksuk
