A man who is walking unaided around the British coastline has called into Dover and Deal - but turned down the offer of comfy nights’ sleep.
Christian Nock, 39, is raising money for Help for Heroes by walking around the coast of the UK. He started from Blackpool in August and is so far on his ninth pair of boots.
When he started his trek, he aimed to raise £10,000. He has so far raised £33,000, and he is now hoping to have raised £500,000 by the time he finishes, in about two years.
He dropped into the Best Western Plus Dover Marina Hotel and Spa for a well-earned break and was welcomed by general manager Anoob Saban and sales and marketing director Trevor Bond.
They also offered him accommodation before he set off again but Christian, who served in the forces, declined because he is sleeping rough to highlight the plight of ex-servicemen who become homeless.
He went to the Duke of York’s Royal Military School where he met some of the staff and pupils and spoke about the challenge. He slept in a lean-to by the school’s cricket pavilion.
After Dover he headed along the coast to Deal, where he was met by town mayor Marlene Burnham and former mayor Wayne Elliott.
He was taken along Deal Pier and given a guided tour of the town hall and the mayor’s parlour, before going to the Factory Shop in the High Street.
He also met Adrian Wilkinson, an ex-ammunition technician officer for the Army who lives in Deal, who took him to the Royal Marines Association Club on The Strand, and let him sleep in the garage at his home.
He has also been contacted by Dover and Deal MP Charlie Elphicke, who has offered to give him a tour of the House of Commons when he reaches London, which he plans to do in another week.
He said: “I had great receptions in Dover and Deal. Everyone has been fantastic."
Christian would welcome donations to Help for Heroes and details can be found on his Facebook page Christian around Britain.