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Heathfield crash survivor to hike Sussex coast in full armour
Overview
Gav Collins, a 55-year-old car crash survivor from Heathfield who was told he would never walk again, is embarking on a 210-mile trek along the Sussex coast wearing 35 to 40 kg of armour and carrying a tent, food, and supplies. Starting on Saturday from Chichester to Rye, the 10-day fundraiser aims to raise money for Knight Support, the Trussell Trust, and Harbourside Gymnastics Academy, coinciding with the 960th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.
Key points
- Gav Collins suffered severe spinal injuries in a 2023 car crash and was initially told he would never walk again.
- He is undertaking a 210-mile walking route along the Sussex coast from Chichester to Rye over 10 days.
- He will wear full armour, chain mail, and a shield weighing between 35 and 40 kg (6st 4lb).
- The challenge aims to raise a minimum of £500 for homeless charity Knight Support, the Trussell Trust, and Harbourside Gymnastics Academy.
- Collins expects to walk 21 miles a day, consume 6,000 calories daily to prevent weight loss, and finish in Rye on 19 October.