A hairdresser has equipped herself with boots and three pairs of walking trainers and has set off on a 1,000-mile trek for a number of charities.

Natalie Gorman, from Milton, near Sittingbourne, left Land’s End in Cornwall on Sunday, June 27 and expects to reach Scotland’s famous John O’ Groats sign in about seven-and-a-half weeks’ time.

The mother-of-two is doing the mammoth challenge on her own, and her mother, Janet Atkinson, is driving her support vehicle.

She said: “It’s going really well so far. Sunday, when we set off, was very wet and windy, but the sun has since come out.”

She added: “I will be walking every day, apart from one day – it’s my mum’s birthday on August 2 so I’ve booked the day off.”

Mrs Gorman said the plan was for her to complete about 20 miles each day until Tuesday, August 10.

In preparation for the challenge, she said she trained a lot. That included doing a number of walks and working out with a personal trainer at Bedrocks Gym in Sittingbourne.

“These are truly fantastic charities, and so many have been struggling throughout the coronavirus pandemic."

When asked how it was going so far, the 46-year-old said: “I’m enjoying it – it’s tiring but good fun.”

Mrs Gorman is doing the trek in aid of five charities: Covex; Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity; Make a Wish Foundation; Great Ormond Street Hospital; and The National Deaf Children’s Society.

She said: “I just think these are truly fantastic charities, and so many have been struggling throughout the coronavirus pandemic. I would love to raise £5,000 for each of the charities.”

Mrs Gorman said she too had struggled throughout the past year or so with work, so she knows just how much this money would mean to the good causes.

“I only worked nine weeks out of 13 months last year,” she said. “It’s been tough on so many.”

“For me, my clients have been amazing,” she added.

So far, Mrs Gorman has raised about £1,300. To donate, click here.

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