Gary’s epic charity walk from Lands End to John O’Groats
Rock Foundation UK are very excited to announce that Gary, one of Rock’s dedicated volunteers, is taking on an amazing fundraising challenge to raise vital funds for the charity.
On Tuesday 8th April 2025, Gary started his 1,200 mile walk from Lands End to John O’Groats. We are so grateful to Gary who has been supporting our charity for many years.
“Hi, I’m Gary. I’ve recently retired after serving as a firefighter for over 35 years. I’m also a grandfather of 2, so clearly not as young as I’d like to think I am! I’ve helped out at Rock Foundation UK as a volunteer for 8 or 9 years. I drive their van and do lots of lifting and carrying, so I’m hoping my rucksack will be fairly light in comparison to some of the things I’ve carried for them!
I have set myself this challenge as a personal goal and also to raise vital funds for the students at Rock Foundation UK.
I enjoy the outdoors and walking/backpacking. I’ve completed a couple of long distance walks in the past: Coast to coast from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in Nth Yorkshire, and The Pennine Way from Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm just over the Scottish border. Nothing on this scale though, so I’m stepping into the unknown.
I enjoy challenging myself. I remember reading that the human body is capable of far more than most of us ask of it (or perhaps have the time to ask of it!), so I’m looking forward to this series of little walks and hoping to enjoy the journey from one end of our island to the other.
Thank you to those that are able to donate. All donations will go directly to the Rock Foundation UK and will be helping to improve the lives of young people and adults with learning disabilities and those who are disadvantaged.”
We will be keeping all our supporters up to date with any further news. Gary will also be keeping a diary of his adventures in the form of his personal blog as well as making short You Tube video reels throughout his journey. If you would like to keep up to date with Gary’s adventures please visit his You Tube Channel >
If you would like to help Rock and also encourage Gary please find a donation button below, which links directly to our Just Giving account.
Above is just a taste of some wonderful images from the start of Gary’s journey. To view many more breath-taking photos accompanied by notes of the his adventure, please visit Gary’s personal blog, where he keeps a diary of all the memories being made.
