A former soldier from Dalbeattie is just weeks away from completing an 8,700 mile walk around the coastline of the UK.
Dan McNeil set off from Sandyhills in March 2021 with the aim of raising tens of thousands of pounds for forces charity SSAFA.
And he will shortly cross from Cumbria back into Scotland, with his aim being to return to Sandyhills on November 18.
The 27-year-old said: “I’ve undergone significant personal growth, both physically and mentally.
“Not only have I improved my physical fitness, but I’ve also developed essential virtues such as discipline, courage, resilience, and self-confidence.
“These qualities have enabled me to maintain a stoic mindset, which has been instrumental in my continuous walk along the UK coastline.”
The former gunner joined the British Army at 16 and joined the Royal Artillery. He left after five years for a number of reasons, including the debilitating autoimmune disease Ankylosing Spondylitis.
His discharge led him to substance abuse and the brink of suicide, which is when he turned to SSAFA for
help.
He took on his odyssey to say thank you to the charity and has described the support from well-wishers as truly remarkable, with people supporting him on every leg of his travels.
He said: “The kindness and assistance I’ve received along this journey have been overwhelming, and I deeply appreciate everyone who has been part of this experience.”
Now, Dan is preparing to cross the finish line at Sandyhills on November 18 and he is inviting everyone to walk the final few miles with him to join him at 12noon.
The meet-up point can be found on the WhatThreeWords app using blueberry.status.trying.
For more information on Dan, and to donate, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/danwalksuk.
