Back in August just south of Aberdeen we got to enjoy an evening with the Wilderness Family as they are now. Chris Lewis, Kate Barron and Magnus.
It was evening of hearing the challenges faced on such an arduous trek but within the story there is fun and laughter as Chris recited his hatred of the Scottish midge, how he found himself whilst isolated on Hildasay and how he was and still is continually surprised by the generosity of the people he met along the way. But sadness at the loss of Jet his loyal companion
Chris started his walk from Llangennith Beach on the Gower Peninsula in Wales. His plan was to walk the entire UK coastline, including all of the islands, covering approximately 19,000 miles.
The walk was motivated by a desire to help SSAFA, a charity that had supported him and many others in the armed forces. Chris had faced personal challenges after leaving the military, including homelessness, and this walk was a way to give back.
Throughout his journey, Chris faced numerous challenges, including extreme weather, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the physical and mental toll of such a long and isolated journey. Despite these obstacles, he persevered, often relying on the kindness of strangers for shelter and supplies.
Early in his journey, Chris adopted a dog named Jet, who became his loyal companion. Jet accompanied Chris for most of the journey, providing him with much-needed company and support. Chris then met Kate Barron in February 2020 during his journey around the UK coastline. Kate, originally from Canada, was living on the Isle of Skye at the time. The two met while Chris was passing through the island, and they quickly formed a close bond. What began as a chance meeting soon turned into a deep connection. Kate decided to join Chris on his journey, and the couple continued the trek together, facing the challenges and adventures of the coastline walk as a team.
Their relationship blossomed as they shared the highs and lows of the journey, and Kate became a significant part of Chris's story.
The Chris and Kate story became a well-known trio during the arrival of Magnus.
Magnus the couple's son was born in May 2022. His arrival marked a new chapter in Chris and Kate's journey. Despite the challenges of raising a newborn while continuing such an arduous adventure, the couple remained committed to completing the walk together.
Magnus became a symbol of their resilience and dedication, and the family continued their journey along the coast with him in tow.
Chris, Kate, Magnus, and their dog Jet completed the walk together in August 2023 exactly 6 years after he started. The completion of this journey was a triumphant moment for the family, representing not just the physical achievement but also the emotional and personal growth they experienced along the way.
His journey not only raised significant funds for SSAFA (over £510K) but also inspired many people around the world.
Chris's walk is not just a story of physical endurance but also one of resilience, community, and the power of human spirit. His journey highlighted the beauty of the UK’s coastline and the generosity of the people he met along the way.
See more about Chris Kate Magnus and Jet Here
Read their story, Finding Hildasay
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