Littlehampton man beats blisters to finish epic trek

Chris Deacon, of Little-hampton, completed an epic 64-mile walk from Chichester to London Bridge.

The 30-year-old who works as a carer at Catchers Care in High Street, Littlehampton, was left with blisters all over his body after his endurance event for the Alzheimer’s Society, last Wednesday.

“I have blisters, under blisters, under blisters,” he said. “I can barely bend my toes because the pain below them is dire.

“My legs have never felt quite so excruciating”

Chris began his trail last Monday, setting out from Chichester’s city centre, following the Roman-built Stane Street to Pulborough.

The second day, he covered 22 miles over the South Downs to Dorking.

“This was the worst day,” he added.

He said that during the event he got lost a few times, which racked up more miles than he had expected.

“I thought that I was good with my sense of direction and didn’t take a map,” he joked.

Chris’ final day was meant to see him trek 27 miles into London.

However, with the pain already mounting, Chris had to fall short of his original target, after completing an impressive 22-mile stint.

“I was just in so much pain,” he explained. “But for me, this is a heck of an achievement.

“I feel a huge sense of relief. I didn’t think that I would feel quite so euphoric even with all the pain.”

Chris said that he initially came up the idea ‘on a whim’ about seven weeks ago.

He had been working for several months at the gym trying to lose weight.

“I just wanted to do something physical before I turned 30, on Saturday.”

Chris’ efforts have so far generated almost £200 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

“As a carer, a large proportion of my clients suffer from some form of dementia.

“It’s horrible for the families. The largest problem is coming to terms with losing your nearest and dearest.

“They may be there physically but they’re losing their identity – personality – because of the disease.”

Those wishing to sponsor Chris’ efforts can do so by donating via his online page here