A man from Banbury plans to mark his 35th birthday by completing a 192-mile walk to raise money for a mental health charity.

Dan Harrison will launch his journey on July 4th departing from St Bees in Cumbria, aiming to reach Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire.

He will follow the Coast-to-Coast trail, expecting the expedition to span 12 to 14 days, with his birthday occurring during the trek.

Over the two-week period, he will sleep in a tent and transport all required supplies.

Despite facing unpredictable British weather conditions and the demanding physical challenges associated with extended hiking, he stays determined to support a cause that holds personal meaning.

The endeavour supports the Campaign Against Living Miserably, a charity focused on suicide prevention and offering mental health guidance to men.

He explained that this undertaking will test his body and mind, which is exactly the point. He said it is not simply a matter of walking across England but transforming a significant birthday into something with purpose rather than letting it pass by with just a party.

He acknowledged there would be times when he questions why he committed to this. However, if it manages to raise awareness, spark a conversation, or help even one person struggling, then every step will make the endeavour worthwhile.

He has set a target of gathering £1,000 and has so far received £260 in donations.

The Coast-to-Coast path is a recently designated national trail stretching roughly 190 miles through three of England’s most celebrated landscapes: the Lake District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the North York Moors National Park.

The route was first devised in 1973 by Alfred Wainwright and has since become a popular choice for hikers undertaking long-distance walks in Britain.

It recently secured £5.5 million in funding to recognise its importance as a national trail.

The walker intends to keep wellwishers updated by posting content on his Instagram profile, sharing both the difficulties and victories of his experience.

Notwithstanding the demanding physical and psychological challenges ahead, he remains motivated by the chance to boost visibility, encourage honest conversations, and provide help to those who need it.

He mentioned that his wife Rebecca will handle everything at home, while his two biggest cheerleaders—his five-year-old daughter Ellie and his two-year-old son Ollie—will be rooting for him from afar. He said there is something deeply comforting about knowing that no matter how tough the day on the trail becomes, they are behind him with every step.