Army hero's barefoot 700 mile walk through Doncaster to help his daughter

Army Major Chris Brannigan is walking from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for a charity he has set up to fund the research and development of a ground breaking gene therapy treatment for children suffering from Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, which leads to a mental decline for its victims.

His daughter, Hasti, has the condition. His charity is called Hope for Hasti.

He is walking from Ollerton to Doncaster tomorrow (Friday July 31), before staying overnight at the Danum Hotel, and then on Saturday (August 1), will head out on his next 20 mile leg, to Selby.

He will be joined on his trip through Doncaster by Lee Hodgson, a soldier who works at Doncaster army careers office – but Lee said that while Chris is doing the whole walk barefoot, he will be wearing shoes.

The local café Dream Bakes is providing a grab bag style meal free of charge.

North Yorkshire County Council have granted access to the closed part of the A19 for his journey from Doncaster to Selby.

Chris said: “I'll be doing it while carrying 25kg of kit on my back with everything I need to keep going, including my trusty one-man tent which I'll be sleeping in to keep costs down. I will be wearing full combat kit including a body armour which will be heavy and hot. I will however be missing one element of my clothing – my boots! I will do the 700 mile march barefoot.

“I know it's madness and, if I'm honest, I'm terrified of failing. It is going to be painful and I already have a knee injury, but I am a dad and I have to fight for my little girl Hasti and all the other forgotten children with rare disease.”

Log onto www.JustGiving.com/fundraising/barefootacrossbritain to donate. There will also be collection buckets accompanying the walk.

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