Walker set to make it after two months on the trot
A CHARITY walker was set to reach John O’Groats today (Tues) after having travelled the length of Britain following a tragic family loss.
Keith Spicer, from Sarisbury Green in Southampton, started the walk from Land’s End on February 16 in a bid to raise as much money as possible for the stillbirth and neonatal-death charity, Sands, after his niece, Lorraine, lost her baby late into her pregnancy.
The loss inspired him to start planning the mammoth trek and he began training at the beginning of 2012, spending evenings and weekends racking up the miles and building up his physical and mental strength.
Mr Spicer, who works at the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in Titchfield, said: “Throughout this challenge, I’ve walked through all weathers from balmy sunshine to thick fog and violent hailstorms.
“I’ve worn out a pair of walking boots, encountered horses, dogs and alpacas along the way as well as a variety of different accommodations, plenty of vanilla lattes, chip suppers and cream teas.

“It’s been an amazing experience and I’m so grateful for everyone’s support and all the donations for Sands.”
With an original target of £5000, Mr Spicer has currently raised over £6500 and he has now set a new higher level to reach 10,000.
He has kept a blog updated along the walk telling of blisters, aches and pains along with a nasty fall which could easily have ended the walk prematurely were it not for his trusty rucksack breaking his fall.
There have also been many highs with breathtaking scenery and the kindness of strangers offering donations to his cause along the way.
Mr Spicer has completed the walk solo but he has been joined by family and friends at various points along the way, including a reunion with a friend he had not seen for more than 20 years.
His partner, Pamela, and ONS colleague, Brian Parry, joined him in Scotland to accompany him on the last miles and witness his achievement.
Mr Spicer has a JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/Keith-Spicer1
His blog is at www.spiceboy80.wordpress.com