Phil Brown, a 65-year-old from Cheltenham, is about to undertake an extraordinary 630-mile walk along the South West Coastal Path—a journey he had long hoped to complete with his late wife, Anna. Set to begin on May 31 and conclude on June 30, coinciding with his daughter’s birthday, Phil plans to cover approximately 21 miles each day. The route presents a formidable challenge, with elevation gains equivalent to climbing Mount Everest four times.
This deeply personal trek serves as a tribute to Anna, who passed away in January after a brief illness. Phil’s walk is also a gesture of gratitude toward Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, where Anna received exceptional care in her final days.
“Anna and I always dreamed of walking the South West Coastal Path together,” Phil shared. “Walking past places like the Saunton Sands hotel, where we spent our honeymoon, will be especially emotional as I reflect on our time together.”
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Phil’s commitment extends beyond personal healing—he aims to raise £20,000 to support the hospice that showed such compassion. So far, his efforts have garnered £11,000 in donations. The challenge has inspired widespread support from friends, family, and even clients from his executive driving work. Many have offered accommodation, and some plan to join him for various sections of the walk.
The path will be both a physical and emotional journey. Phil recalls, “During Anna’s final days at Sue Ryder, my children and I stayed by her side. The care and kindness we experienced—from staff to volunteers—were truly extraordinary.”
Despite enduring the loss of his mother just days after Anna’s passing, Phil finds strength in his family, including his newborn granddaughter Lennie, who arrived shortly after Anna’s death—a bittersweet reminder of life continuing.
Phil’s walk, dubbed #FortheLoveofAnna, is a testament to love, resilience, and the power of community support. He hopes his story will inspire others and bring much-needed funds to Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.