Youngster begins 7,000 mile walk inspired by John Merrill

• 12th Feb 2013

A 22-year-old has completed 100 miles of a 7,000 mile walk around Britain's coast - having begun at Eastbourne Pier on February 5th.

Tom Brabham, from Hailsham, East Sussex, is doing the trek for charity, but was inspired to do the walk by the 'marathon walker' John Merrill, who completed the walk in 1978 and wrote a book about his journey, 'Turn Right at Land's End', reports bbc.co.uk.

"I'm aiming for the Highlands in August, but that's a long way off - I'm just trying to look after myself day by day. The journey has been really tough so far because of the weather and the spring tides around the Solent. I've been ankle-deep in swamp water," said Mr Brabham.

While he will sometimes be staying in bed and breakfasts, much of the trip will see him settling down to sleep in campsites in England, Wales and Scotland - his efforts will see money raised for Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance service.

Writing on his shoelace-express.co.uk blog, Mr Brabham explained that he may take a break when he reaches Portsmouth (he is going round Great Britain clockwise), as he is having trouble with his feet because of the conditions.

He has just completed the Broadbridge to Emsworth leg of his journey and expects it to be at least five more days until he is out of the Solent area.