A GLOUCESTERSHIRE man is getting ready to walk the entire length of the South West Coast Path for charity.

Alan Plowman will begin his walk in South Haven, just outside Poole Harbour on June 10 and hopes to make the 630 mile journey to Minehad in Somerset in just six to eight weeks.

The 58-year-old builder from Woodmancote near Cirencester will be raising money for the RNLI.

Alan said: “I have walked most of the path in bits but have always wanted to attempt it all in one go.

“One of the first people I mentioned it to was my older brother Ron, who lived close to the start of the walk in Dorset. Ron was going to walk some of the first few miles with me and put me up for a few nights, picking me up after walking for a day and then dropping me off again the next morning, until I left Dorset.

“Unfortunately, he passed away unexpectedly in February aged 68.

“Although it was a bad time, it made me think even more, if you have something in your mind that you want to do, best do it while you can.

“I mentioned the walk to some friends in the local pub one night and was asked if I was doing it for a charity. I said no, I just want to do it for myself.

“It was then pointed out that as I was doing it, I might as well do it for a charity.

“As I am going to be walking so close to the sea, and also because I have great respect for people who put themselves in danger in order to help others in some of the most terrifying conditions, I decided on the RNLI.

“I will be carrying a tent and all I need but will be using a mixture of bed and breakfasts and the tent.”

To follow Alan’s progress and for details about donating, go to his facebook page: Alan’s South West Coast Path Walk