Bristol woman halfway into British coastline charity walk for homelessness

Ms Allen said it has been "an incredible journey" so far

A woman has set off to finish the second half of an "incredible" 5,000 mile walk across Britain's coastline.

Claire Allen, from Redland in Bristol, started her walk on 8 August, 2023 at John O'Groats in Scotland and is due to finish there in August.

She aims to raise £25,000 for homelessness charities Shelter and Only a Pavement Away.

Ms Allen said the main challenge so far has been "being away from home for such a long time".

Ms Allen started her walk on 8 August, 2023 at John O'Groats

Ms Allen will complete the 5,000 mile walk in August

"That's been really hard but I've been buoyed along by the kindness of strangers," she said.

"People who have kindly put me up for the night, paid for my coffee, donated to my fundraising page have kept me going."

"I'm so lucky to not be homeless, but doing things like this, you do really notice the kindness of strangers, knowing where to find something to eat, a free warm space to sit in, all of those things are so incredibly important.

"Those basic needs, food, shelter and water, are top priority."

Ms Allen said a "hungry fox" ripped her tent up in a hunt for food

She said at one point "a hungry fox" ruined her tent searching for her cheese, but it "luckily coincided with the weather changing" when she decided to start staying inside.

"For the time being I'm under a roof most nights. I try and organise for a week or 10 days in advance.

"It's been an incredible journey," she added.