23.08.2006

Access men set off for John O’Groats

Trevor Chinn, 47, owner of LTC specialist scaffolding, the Plymstock and Redruth based access rental company, and his senior scaffolder Grant Rogers, 39, set out on Sunday to walk 1,300 miles from Lands End at the south west tip of England to John O’Groats on the North East tip of Scotland.

The two hope to raise at least £20,000 to fight Breast Cancer and for St Luke’s hospice.

We were planning to have had a picture of the intrepid two setting out, but as it has not arrived yet we will add it later.

The intrepid two expect that the walk will take up to eight weeks averaging 23 miles a day.

Chinn and Rogers have already been training, trekking miles over Dartmoor in preparation for the event. Chinn said he fancied doing 'something exciting' this year and also wanted to raise cash for charity. When a breast cancer appeal flyer arrived at his office, he said, his mind was made up. "It's something that's been on my mind for ages," he said.

They will have a support team in the form of their partners Lian Smith and Cheryl Rogers who will drive a camper van along the route providing the overnight accommodation.
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Grant Rogers (L) and Trevor Chinn at Lands End for the start.The sign post is removed outside of business hours to prevent theft and free photos like this one.

Chinn has decided to take the scenic route to the Highlands, rather than the most direct path, in order to pick up a few landmarks along the way. Including Offa’s Dyke along the English-Welsh border, and the Pennines.

"It will be off-road," said Chinn, "We're trying to keep to National Trust land and public footpaths.” Scotland is supposed to be the hardest part. The idea is that you start at Land's End and build up your strength.

"I'll enjoy seeing the countryside, but I'm most looking forward to finishing," he quipped.

Katie Chinn, Trevor’s daughter said LTC had raised money for charity in the past and has been responsible for fundraising for the walk. One event was a huge scaffold removal, where over 30 scaffolder’s donated their time for a day. See Down in a day

If you would like to help by pledging sponsorship cash you can reach Katie Chinn on 01752 480400. You might also look out for them when they pass through your area. We hope to receive bulletins of their progress each week.