Phil Brown is taking on the incredible adventure in memory of his wife Anna, who died at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in January following a short illness.

The 65-year-old will set out on Saturday and plans to complete the trek in just one month, finishing on his daughter’s birthday on 30th June.

The astonishing challenge will see Phil cover around 21 miles each day and includes a gradient equivalent to climbing Mount Everest four times.

The route is a particularly poignant one for Phil as he explained: “Anna and I always wanted to do the South West Coast Path, so I’m sure there will be some emotional bits on sections that I have previously walked with her especially as I pass the Saunton Sands hotel where we had our honeymoon.”

As well as honouring Anna’s memory, Phil is determined to raise as much money as possible for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, which provided care and support for Anna and her family in the final weeks of her life.

“My daughter Alex, son Max and I spent two weeks with Anna in Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice,” said Phil. “That last week I slept there, holding Anna’s hand throughout the night. We were all with her when she passed away on 30th January, just two months from diagnosis.

“The care Anna received at the hospice was truly wonderful. My children and I could never find the words to express our gratitude. From the people who brought the breakfast, to the cleaners to the nurses and doctors, to the retired nurse who came in as a volunteer at weekends to play the piano, they were all just so caring, it was extraordinary.”

Just 12 days after Anna died, Phil’s mum also sadly died. Despite going through such a difficult time Phil reflected on what has kept him going.

“Having my daughter and son to support me has really helped and my daughter gave birth to my first grandchild a granddaughter, Lennie, in February sadly just three weeks after Anna died,” said Phil.

“Anna had asked my daughter’s bump to ‘hurry up’ in the last few days. That was particularly hard for us all.”

There has been an amazing response from the community as well, as Phil explained: “My clients have also all been very supportive. I do executive driving and every time I work, I tell someone about what I’m doing and how it helps me.

“I was looking for someone to sponsor the hotels on the route and one of my clients, Ian and Janet MacKenzie, have kindly offered to do that through a charitable foundation.

“I have also had some people offer me the use of holiday accommodation in the area. Lots of people are planning to join me on the walk for different sections. One of my mates is going to join me for a whole week. It’s really taken off.”

As the start date draws close Phil reflected on the driving forces that will be powering him along each mile of the stunning South West Coast Path.

“It’s important to me to do this walk in Anna’s memory and I think it will also help me to be out walking,” he said. “We are calling it #FortheLoveofAnna. I’d like to raise £20,000 for Sue Ryder if I can. The team at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice are just exceptional.”

To support Phil's walk visit: Phil Brown is fundraising for Sue Ryder