Fundraiser Paul sets next challenge to walk 3,000 miles across the USA

Paul Edwards, of Penycae, has raised more than £26,000 for Hope House Hospices through a number of high profile challenges.

He walked from John O'Groats to Land's End dressed as Marvel character Deadpool having previously completing a 640 mile trek from Scotland to Wales that took him to the top of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

Charity hero Paul Edwards of Penycae.

But, his latest challenge, will be the toughest yet - a solo trek across the United States of America.

The mile trek will take about five months, starting this time next year in California and ending in North Carolina.

Charity hero Paul Edwards of Penycae.

The 55-year-old will pass through 11 states, including the notoriously hot and dry Tennessee, Texas and Arizona, and will follow the old Route 66 in some places.

He will be taking care to avoid deserts and other rough terrain, as well as inadvertently wandering into Mexico.

Paul said: "I wanted to do something different to get people's attention. Last year I thought it would be the last walk, but I thought, no, I'll do one more.

"I'll be flying out on January 4 next year, so I have a year to plan it all. The plan is to walk solo and unsupported from Ocean Beach, San Diego, California, on the Pacific Coast. I'll finish at Myrtle Beach, North Carolina, on the Atlantic Coast about five and a half months later.

"The least I can do is 2,600 miles, but I know from experience that won't happen. It will be more like 3,000 miles.

Also, it's a country where weather makes a difference to your walking. I hope I've missed hurricane season, but if the rain is bad I might have to hole up in a hotel of B&B for a few days.

"It's a whole new ball game working out how to raise money for the hospice by doing it."

He will have a trolley to carry a tent and the five gallons of water he will need each day.

Another thing Paul has to think about are the animals native to America, such as bears, alligators and venomous snakes.

Paul, who walks 16 miles to and from work every day to prepare for the challenge, will have to give up his job of 12 years to undertake the challenge.

Paul Edwards is taking on a challenge like no other for Hope House.

Paul, who has no direct connection to the hospices, has been raising money for Hope House for 18 years.

He said: "I don't have children myself but I can only imagine the pain the families must be feeling when they have a dying child. It will never leave them.

"Hope House provides counselling to these poor families during and after the death of the child for as long as needed. It's a hugely important part of the care.

"So, although I have no direct connection to the hospice, I feel that whilst I am still physically able to do these challenges then I will.

Paul was nominated recently nominated to be the Leader's Charity Hero of the Year by Cat Dowdeswell, Hope House Children's Hospices' area fundraiser for Wrexham, Whitchurch and Market Drayton.

Charity hero Paul Edwards of Penycae.

Cat said: "Paul has raised over £26,870 over the past few years for Hope House Children’s Hospices.

"Despite the fact that Paul has no personal connection to the charity, he has completed many stunning challenges with 2021 being the toughest so far.

Cat added: "Paul walked from John O’Groats to Land’s End on his own, with no support team and did this dressed as Deadpool. The journey took in 1,000 miles in 39 days. He raised over £16,000 during this challenge and his efforts are truly humbling.

"He now plans to walk across America in 2023, again for Hope House Children’s Hospices. This will take five months."

She added: "Paul is a true community hero and deserves this recognition from his community as the families at Hope House Children’s Hospices have benefited immensely from his staggering challenges."

Paul will be setting up a GoFunMe page and other ways for people to support his challenge later in the year.