A man from Cornwall has begun an eight‑day, 90‑mile trek along the county’s north coast to raise funds for HD Livin’, a charity that provides specialist support and respite for people affected by Huntington’s disease.
The challenge
The walker, Joe Mills, 44, set off from Land’s End on July 16. He intends to complete the route to Padstow over eight days, carrying all his own camping equipment, food and supplies. The route follows exposed cliff paths that include steep climbs and difficult descents.
So far, Mills reports that the terrain has been tougher than expected and that unseasonably warm conditions—temperatures reaching about 25–30°C in exposed sections—have added to the difficulty. He has needed to refill water frequently along the route.
“So far, it’s been alright. But the terrain is challenging,”
Local support and background
Despite demanding conditions, Mills has received assistance from the local community: Ayr Holiday Park offered him a complimentary overnight stay to rest before he continues north. This is not Mills’s first long‑distance fundraising walk; last year he completed a trek from Land’s End to Plymouth, which he said was slightly easier due to cooler weather.
- Purpose: Raise money for HD Livin’, a charity supporting people with Huntington’s disease and their families.
- Duration: Eight days.
- Distance: Approximately 90 miles (Land’s End to Padstow).
What HD Livin’ does
The charity backed by the trek aims to create purpose‑built respite centres offering specialist care for people living with Huntington’s disease and hubs for families to meet and obtain professional advice. While the focus is Huntington’s disease, the centres will also provide respite care for people with other needs.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Walker | Joe Mills, 44 |
| Start | Land’s End |
| Finish | Padstow |
| Distance | Approx. 90 miles |
| Duration | Eight days |
Residents interested in supporting the cause may look for Mills’s fundraising page or contact HD Livin’ for details on how to donate. The walk underscores both the physical demands of coastal routes in Cornwall and the role of local communities in supporting charitable endeavours.
