A group of walkers from the West Midlands has travelled to North Yorkshire this week to help a friend celebrate a milestone birthday in a unique way – by joining him on stages of his third Coast to Coast walk which he walks partly barefoot.
Paul Randon marked his 80th birthday on Wednesday as he reached Richmond during his latest attempt to complete Alfred Wainwright’s famous long-distance route.
Mr Randon has completed short sections of the walk barefoot.
Originally from South Africa but now living in the West Midlands, Mr Randon first completed the Coast to Coast walk to celebrate his 60th birthday before returning to do it again at 70. Now, a decade later, he is tackling the challenge for a third time.
A group of around eight to 10 friends have travelled to the area to support him along the route, with different members accompanying him on various stages of the walk.
One member of the group, Trevor Parkes, said: “He was born and bred in South Africa so is used to walking barefoot on the prairie. he decided to do the Coast to Coast footpath for his 60th birthday. He did it for his 70th and is now doing it for his 80th.
“His 80th birthday was yesterday and he arrived in Richmond on the walk yesterday.”
The group celebrated the occasion with a birthday meal at La Cusine in Richmond before continuing their support on the trail.
The walkers are staying together in caravans at Akebar Park, while they accompany Mr Randon on his journey across northern England.
