Storm Isha: Round-UK walker praises Maldon for offering food and shelter

Jordan Kealey is walking around the UK coastline with his dog Shyla

A round-Britain charity walker caught in Storm Isha has thanked a community for its "overwhelming" response to his plea for help.

Jordan Kealey, who is walking 7,000 miles (11,265km) around the UK coast, asked on social media for a safe place to pitch his tent in Maldon, Essex.

He received numerous offers of help, including a takeaway pizza and a paid-for night in a hotel.

"I'm so humbled, I'm struggling to take it all in," Mr Kealey said.

'Swamped with messages'

The 25-year-old from Nantwich, Cheshire - known as "The Walking Pleb" on social media - is walking with his dog Shyla to raise money for the Crewe Men in Sheds initiative and the RSPCA.

Wind speeds of 60mph (97km/h) were registered in parts of Essex as Storm Isha passed through the county on Sunday night.

Posting on a Maldon Facebook community page, he asked where he could take refuge.

"I was absolutely swamped with messages," he said.

"Somebody bought me a night in a Travelodge, for which I can't explain how grateful I am."

Mr Kealey spent a night in the Maldon Travelodge, paid for by someone who heard his story on social media

Mr Kealey said he was also gifted a Domino's pizza - which "didn't last long" - and dog treats for Shyla, while Park Drive Health Club offered him coffee, pastries and the use of its gym facilities.

Membership manager Adele Bovingdon said staff were "inspired" by reading Jordan's story on social media.

"We just wanted to do our little bit," Ms Bovingdon told BBC Essex.

"Things like this are exactly why I moved here. Maldon is an amazing community."

Mr Kealey will continue to Colchester and Ipswich before heading back to the coastline.

He intends to finish his mammoth quest in time for his birthday in September, and is full of praise for the reception he has received in Essex.

"Maldon has been the place where I've had the biggest response out of anywhere I've been," Mr Kealey said.

"I wish I could thank everyone individually and give them a big hug."