Meet the hiker who takes a giant walk around Coventry

A keen Coventry walker has decided to take his hobby to new heights with a charity walk around Coventry.

Joseph Forrester usually tries to take a long walk every day and usually starts from his home in Finham. He said the longest he had done was 17 miles, but with this effort for Cancer Research UK, he aims to break that barrier and walk a full marathon.

“I walk with my friends every day,” Mr. Forrester said.

“We try to average about 10 to 15,000 steps daily. I’ve always wanted to take a walk around the outskirts of Coventry and thought while I was doing it, why not do it for a good cause.”

The route he will follow is a clockwise route around the town, starting from his home and going through Tile Hill, Allesley, Holbrooks, Wood End, Binley and Willenhall before arriving back at his home. It includes a stop at CBS Arena, and according to Google Maps, his route is expected to take just 10 hours.

“When I did the 17-mile walk, I was blown away. I slept like a baby that night. There’s not really any nerves about it, just more pure excitement and enjoyment. I love walking and I’m not sure if anyone has done this before.”

Mr Forrester said his next step was to find sponsorship for the walk and said he has had a helping hand from business so far with an offer of free fish and chips cards.

“I’ve known a lot of people who have lost their family to cancer. I’ve always wanted to do something for Cancer Research and I thought this would be perfect as they do a lot of good work up and down the country.”

Mr Forrester is due to complete his tour of Coventry on August 8.

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