Army veteran walking UK coast comes closer to fundraising goal
Dan McNeil, from Dumfries, has raised nearly £18,000 so far
An armed forces veteran from Dumfries is over halfway to reaching a huge £30,000 fundraising target with a walk around the entire UK coast.
Dan McNeil took on the challenge to raise money for SSAFA, the armed forces charity he credits with turning his life around.
The charity offers financial support to serving members and veterans of the armed forces, and responded to a call from Dan several years ago, when he was in a period of intense personal struggle.
Dan says he wants to spread awareness of the SSAFA, and break the stigma of seeking help for other military personnel.
Dan has been walking for over two years
The 27 year old set off on his journey from Sandyhills on the Solway Coast in March 2021, and has an estimated six months left of his challenge.
Currently in Wales, Dan still has plenty of mileage remaining, and is making sure to include islands on the UK coast in his effort.
He says the support he’s encountered along the way has restored his faith in humanity: “It feels good, it’s been really positive, I think the highlight is mostly the people around the UK, people have been absolutely incredible.
“People have put me up in their spare bedrooms, I’ve slept on couches, people have paid for hotels for me, and things like food and drink.
“It’s probably one of the best things about the world, people’s kindness, and it really has put my faith back in humanity for sure.
“The walk is coming to the end soon and it is quite an emotional time for me, I can look back at it and think it’s probably the best thing I’ve ever done. I’ve loved every minute of it, I really wish it wouldn’t stop!”
Already well over half way to reaching his fundraising target, Dan is welcoming donations to his dedicated fundraising page.