A delivery driver is swapping the steering wheel for walking sticks and taking on a 615-mile challenge in aid of a mental health and wellbeing charity. 

Kevin Beale, aged 75 from Kidderminster, is walking the Monarchs Way to raise money for the Kaleidoscope Plus Group. He will also donate some of the funds raised to the Children’s Air Ambulance and RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association).

The 615-mile route is based on the lengthy route taken by King Charles II during his escape after defeat by Cromwell in the final battle of the Civil Wars at Worcester in 1651.

Starting at Worcester, the walk takes people north to Boscobel, through Stratford upon Avon, the Cotswolds, Wells and Yeovil before heading east across the Downs to Brighton and onto the finish point at Shoreham-by-Sea.

Mr Beale said: “I planned the walk towards the end of 2019 and had hoped to finish the first section by March 2020 but then Covid hit, and I had to put my plans on hold. I was busy getting myself fit and in shape during lockdown and was going out walking every single day but then we went back into lockdown in the November.

“I am a great believer in what the Kaleidoscope Plus Group does and I’ve had some mental ill health myself so I know how supportive they can be to those who need their services most.

“I read Drew Broughton’s book about his own struggles and then I met him at a Kaleidoscope event in 2019. He’s a trustee at the charity and his story resonated with me which made me want to fundraise for Kaleidoscope even more.”

Mr Beale plans to walk the route in bitesize chunks and has so far completed 37 miles. He aims to have completed a further 38.5 miles in the coming week.

The father of two and grandfather of four says “age is just a number” and says nothing will stop him from completing the challenge.

He added: “It’s a big challenge but one that I am determined to finish. I’ve always been a keen walker and completed the Pennine Walk many years ago, so I don’t find Monarch’s Way physically taxing, however there are some difficult sections.

“Some of the scenery along the route is really lovely and there are sections of the walk which have such great industrial history.

“I’ll be going out in all weathers, rain, snow, wind, nothing will stop me from finishing the walk.”

To sponsor Mr Beale and track his progress visit XXXXX need JustGiving link