A FATHER of three has passed through Weymouth as part of his year long journey walking the length of the UK coastline to raise money for charity.

Chris Howard, from Cambridge, has completed 1,000 miles of the 10,000 mile challenge which began in July. He set off from Heacham South Beach in Norfolk and walked into Weymouth on Sunday, September 13.

Chris, 37, said: "Weymouth is beautiful. The beaches are lovely and the weather has been amazing but it has been really hot which brings its own challenges."

Chris has left his three daughters, twins aged six and a three-year-old, at home with his wife while he walks to raise money for Children in Need. He hopes to raise more than £30,000 by the time he finishes the challenge in July or August next year.

He said: "My wife and I home-schooled our girls during lockdown and it made me think about those children that don't have a garden or parents to help them so I wanted to do something which supports children up and down the country.

"This is the longest I have gone without seeing my kids since they were born and I really miss them. My wife is such a star and she's been really supportive. We try to speak every day but we are not always able to if I don't have connection."

Chris is carrying a tent, a cooking system, wet weather gear, one change of clothes, a phone charger and two solar panelled power banks with him. He has been sponsored by British Corner Shop, an online supermarket with a courier service, who send him monthly food packages which get delivered along his route. He also happily accepts donations from any pubs and restaurants he passes by.

As well as raising money and taking on a person challenge, Chris is promoting sustainability and clean beaches while he walks. He is doing virtual talks at the schools his daughters attend to talk to them about sustainability.

He said: "The kids don't understand much about sustainability yet so it's a great time to get them aware of it and understanding the importance of it."

To sponsor Chris or to donate to his justgiving page, visit www.thecoastwalker.com