WALKING more than 60 miles along the Somerset and Devon coast would be a challenge for anyone.

But Vincent Sullivan is taking it on this weekend - in TWO DAYS - at the age of 70.

Vincent, from Pyworthy, Devon, is taking part in the South West Coast 2 Coast on Saturday and Sunday (July 24 and 25) to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The 70-year-old is dedicating the challenge to his daughter, Catherine, who died of cancer.

The former St Joseph’s Swindon deputy head and St John Lloyd School, Llanelli, headteacher, will set off from Minehead, walking 51 km a day and camping overnight at Tiverton.

He will finish at Dawlish in Devon.

As a solo participant, Vincent hopes that fellow walkers will talk to him along the way to help him not only raise funds but awareness of Macmillan, after his 34-year-old daughter passed away in 2016.

Speaking of Catherine’s passing, he said: “The grief never leaves you. Catherine was incredibly strong until the very end. The acceptance of her diagnosis and her strength in the face of the pain filled all of her family with a humbling sense of admiration.

“I walk not only for my physical but mental health. I find it helps heal the loss.”

“I am more about the distance and endurance than the speed. I have had my setbacks with injuries but I am up to 16 miles a day now.

"I think it is more mindset than miles.”

Vincent admitted to concerns over fitness but candidly added the worst outcome would be the walk taking him longer.

However, the long-distance walker is not unaccustomed to challenges, after taking part in several over the last 50 years, including the Camino de Santiago in 2019 where he walked 800km over 27 days and slept in pilgrim hostels.

When asked how he felt about camping on the route, the seasoned explorer shared he is familiar with sleeping in unusual locations.

“In the past, after a long challenge, I have had to sleep in a telephone box using the phone book as a pillow,” he said.

“I was also given a night’s shelter in a police cell after a 120-mile bike ride.

"The on-duty officer was very kind, he brought me tea and toast but insisted on locking me in for my safety.”

Although the walker has experience on his side, age appears to have decreased his confidence.

Fortunately, his optimistic attitude has helped him overcome any concerns;

“I’ve always enjoyed a challenge and having recently celebrated my 70th birthday there’s a little voice inside me wondering if I can still do it,” he added.

“I realised I need all the help I can get. Therefore, I received an hour’s instruction on the use of poles over long distances – Nordic walking style.

"I’m hoping a more efficient style will help me on my way.”

Vincent, who has two artificial hips, suffered further training setbacks after breaking his leg in December 2020 after a fall, and aching feet, a direct result of his exertions.

“The furthest I have walked is 26km in a day. I am tapering now in preparation for the event,” he said.

“I was asked by Macmillan’s fundraising team what I needed to help with the challenge. I did suggest a headband to keep the sweat out of my glasses.”

To date, Vincent has raised £800 for Macmillan Cancer Support, and extended his thanks to not only family, friends, and neighbours, but anonymous donors, he said,

“I’ve been particularly struck by the anonymous donations received on my JustGiving page.

"I don’t know who you are, but I can thank you twice: once from myself, for the encouragement, your kindness has given me, and once on behalf of Macmillan who have received your donations.”

Genevieve Drinkwater, Macmillan senior fundraising manager, said “A massive thanks to Vincent for taking on such a mammoth challenge.

"After such an incredibly tough year for us, supporters like Vincent make it possible for us to continue to be there for people living with cancer. Thank you so much.”

If you would like to show Vincent your support, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vincentasullivan