Hardy hiker Seb is making tracks (From Thisisdorset)

Hardy hiker Seb is making tracks

8:43am Thursday 14th February 2008 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

GUTSY teenager Seb Green is more than a week ahead of schedule on his walk around Britain.

He has surprised supporters by averaging 20 miles a day in the early stages of his great challenge.

His bed for the night has ranged from a sand dune to a suite in a five-star hotel.

But whether arising from a sleeping bag or a four-poster bed he has set off each morning on the 5,000-mile 'payback walk' more determined than ever.

Seb, 18, of Littlemoor in Weymouth, began the challenge at Overcombe Corner on February 1 with his dog Flash at his side.

Having completed 220 miles, he was heading for Whitstable today after a day's rest in the Kent seaside town of Margate.

He is due to cross the Thames at the weekend via the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry.

Seb said: "It's been an interesting experience so far.

"I did have very sore feet when I arrived in Margate but a day relaxing has sorted me out.

"I'm comfortable with the pace. When I'm walking I think about where I'm going to spend the night and why I'm doing this walk."

Territorial Army recruit Seb, who one day hopes to join the Royal Marines, is raising money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and the Starlight Children's Foundation.

Three years ago he had to be rescued by the coastguard from deep mud after taking a boat on a joyride and ending up in difficulties.

He planned the walk to 'give something back' after turning his life around and getting on a Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) Award scheme.

When the mammoth challenge is complete Seb plans to link up with the RNLI for talks to youngsters about sea safety.

DoE Award officer for Dorset Mary Harper, who is leading Seb's support network, said: "He's doing astonishingly well and it's causing us problems because he's so far ahead it's messed up the accommodation arrangements.

"When by a stroke of luck he was offered a bed for the night at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne he walked 25 miles in one day including a 3,000 foot ascent via the Seven Sisters.

"He's exceeded all expectations, including his own."