Charity walker nears finish

A Gloucestershire man is close to finishing a 3,600 mile charity walk around the UK to raise funds for the Evie Dove Foundation.

Gloucestershire charity walker nears finish of 3,600 mile UK trek

Dickie Mackness, 63, from Lower Swell in Gloucestershire, has spent nearly two years walking around the UK and is now within about 100 miles of completing his 3,600 mile journey. The final leg includes a 16 mile stretch along the Kent coast and is planned for 6 September, with Mackness inviting people to join him for the last miles.

All proceeds go to the Evie Dove Foundation, a charity created in memory of 13-year-old Evie Dove, who died of a brain tumor in 2022. As the finish line approaches, Mackness says he hopes the last miles will bring in strong support for families affected by pediatric brain tumors.

Endurance fundraisers like this can boost awareness and donations for small charities that rely on local networks. The walk demonstrates how community enthusiasm, volunteers, and local businesses can turn long miles into meaningful impact. It also raises questions about how such efforts can sustain attention once the media spotlight moves on.

As the finish nears, the story highlights both personal commitment and the larger aim of supporting families facing pediatric illnesses. The challenge is turning a momentary fundraising surge into ongoing help, and ensuring the Evie Dove Foundation keeps delivering long after the last mile is walked.

Highlights

The road may end in Kent, but the mission to support families goes on.