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<\/p>\nA 45 year old woman whose family lives in Okeford Fitzpaine, has set herself a year long challenge to walk around the coast of Great Britain in order to raise money for two homelessness charities.<\/p>\n
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Claire said: \u201cFor me, spending a year away from home, staying somewhere different every night, is a choice. But there are thousands of people who have no option but to sleep on the streets or stay somewhere unsafe or insecure.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Inspired by others who\u2019ve completed this coastal challenge – including Elise Downing who became the first woman to run the distance, and Christian Lewis, who recently completed his six year odyssey, Claire has taken a year out of her work as communications and fundraising professional in Bristol\u2019s charity sector.<\/p>\n “Homelessness is a crisis that none of us can ignore. It\u2019s visible in every town and city. Along the way, I\u2019ve met people that are homeless and rough sleeping and none of them have chosen that life. Losing your home could be down to something as commonplace as a marriage break up, becoming unemployed, or falling out with your family.<\/em>“<\/p>\n Carrying all her belongings, she\u2019s been joined by friends and family along the way who\u2019ve walked with her for a day or two at a time. As well as camping, she\u2019s relied on the kindness of strangers for a bed and a meal – including B&Bs and hotels who\u2019ve generously offered her a free stay.<\/p>\n “I\u2019ve never been homeless, and I hope I never will be. But having no fixed abode opens your eyes to the importance of access to basic facilities – drinking water, public toilets, warm spaces to sit. I\u2019ve spent a lot of time in public libraries, railway station waiting rooms because they\u2019re warm, dry and free.<\/em>“<\/p>\n Having taken a break from walking to spend Christmas with her family, Claire set off again on Friday 5th January. The next stage of her walk will see her tackle the South West Coast Path – 630 miles that stretch from Poole to Minehead.<\/p>\n As well as support from hotels and guest houses, Claire has received support from outdoor clothing brand Inov-8 who\u2019ve provided her with top of the range walking boots (she\u2019s currently on her third pair!) and the Alpkit Foundation who made a grant of \u00a3250 towards the cost of equipment.<\/p>\n To follow Claire\u2019s progress:<\/strong><\/p>\n Visit www.instagram.com\/clairesgreatbritishwalk\/<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/fippennynews.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/news\/2024\/01\/OaPA_150.png?resize=150%2C86&ssl=1\")
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Claire Allen set out from John O’ Groats in Northern Scotland on 8th August 2023 and has completed approximately a third of the distance so far. She\u2019s aiming to raise \u00a325,000 – split equally between two charities – Only A Pavement Away<\/strong> and Shelter<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
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