An intrepid fundraiser is embarking on an epic 9,000-mile walking challenge in memory of his late partner and to raise vital funds for charities including East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Robert Green plans to trek the entire length of Britain’s coastline – starting from his home village of Brancaster before snaking his way around England, Wales and Scotland.
The 59-year-old expects his mammoth mission – called Linda’s Legacy – All Around The Coast – to take at least three years and is raising funds and awareness for EACH and Tapping House.
Robert is taking on the challenge in memory of partner Linda, who died from heart failure last December, aged 68. The pair had been together for 22 years.
“She was the kindest person you could ever meet – my best friend and total confidant,” he said.
“We did everything together and loved being in each other’s company.
“She always put other people first and would do anything to help someone.
“No-one had a bad word to say about her, and the number of people she touched over the years was astonishing.
“For such a shy person who liked to keep herself to herself, Linda had a knack for making a positive impact on everyone she met.
“She was incredibly independent and knew her own mind, but she was always polite and dignified – always well-presented, friendly, positive and smiling.
“She’d always give people a second chance, and if ever the old saying about the good ones being taken first was true, it was certainly the case with Linda.”
Robert and Linda spent many happy hours walking and it was her “ultimate dream” to live on the Norfolk coast.
Strolling along the beach was their favourite pastime, especially when it was particularly quiet during the pandemic.
Things then took a dramatic turn for the worse just a week before last Christmas.
Robert went to work as normal, but when he got home their house was in complete darkness.
“I’d had a good day in the fishmonger’s shop where I worked and came home in high spirits,” he said.
“As soon as I got back, though, I knew something was wrong. I hadn’t taken a key and ended up having to break in through a window.
“That’s when I found Linda in bed and had to perform CPR.
“I did what I was told by the paramedic on the phone but knew it was too late – it would have taken a miracle to revive her, and I’ve subsequently been told that she had passed away at lunchtime.
“I can’t begin to describe the sense of shock and total disbelief.
“In a million years, I didn’t expect something so devastating to happen, and I was completely numb.
“Linda hadn’t been particularly well last year. She’d had a bad cold that affected her lungs, but she was stable, and her death was unexpected.
“Just a few days before, we’d been at a family gathering, and people commented on how well she looked.”
Robert admits life has been understandably tough since Linda’s death.
He felt his life lacked any point or purpose until he had the seed of an idea to take on a fundraising walk in Linda’s memory.
He said he knew from the start he wanted to support EACH and Tapping House.
Linda, who ran her own home cleaning company, loved children and money raised from her funeral was donated to EACH, while her sister had received hospice care nine years previously – hence the link with Tapping House.
The couple also loved browsing in both charities’ shops on their travels around the county.
“In terms of the way I’ve coped since, things were initially horrendous,” said Robert.
“I felt depressed and as though there was no point carrying on.
“I didn’t have a purpose, and my reason for existing had suddenly disappeared.
“Thankfully, I’ve got some good friends, and my colleagues at the fish shop were incredibly supportive.
“They helped me through the hardest time in my life, and I’ve also made friends at the bereavement café in Dersingham library.
“Then the idea for the walk materialised in March.
“My initial idea was to take on some kind of trek around Norfolk.
“Then the cogs started turning and it became the coast of England, then the coast of Wales and then the coast of Scotland. Just for good measure, I’m also going to walk around the Isle of Wight and Anglesey!
“I did some research, and that’s when the seed of an idea started taking shape.
“In the space of 24 hours, I went from having no purpose in life to suddenly feeling motivated and inspired by the thought of doing something epic – all in Linda’s memory.
“I was floundering with nothing to look forward to, but now I’m doing something to help others and raising money for two charities close to our hearts. It’s given me something to live for.”
Robert, who volunteered at both of this year’s EACH Pier 2 Pier walks, in Norfolk and Suffolk, plans to start his mammoth trek on 30th April – what would have been Linda’s 70th birthday. He too has a big birthday next June as he turns 60.
“I’m going to stick to the coastal path as much as I can but won’t be afraid to dip inland when and where I need to, if it’s easier in terms of terrain,” he said.
“I keep saying it’s ‘my walk, my rules’.
“It’s not a race, and I plan to come home from time to time, although I’ll always pick up my walk from the same point on the ground.
“By hook or crook, I’ll complete this challenge – even if it takes me four years or longer.
“I’m more excited than nervous, and if I could start tomorrow I would.
“Linda would probably think I’m completely mad, but I’m determined to take on this challenge in her memory and honour.
“She’s my reason for doing this, and it means everything to me.
“I’m also determined to do what I can to help these two great charities.
“In terms of EACH, I’ve never been so impressed as when I first came to see The Nook.
“I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting, but I thought it was going to be a sad and possibly depressing experience.
“In fact, nothing could have been further from the truth, and I came away feeling truly inspired.
“The care and support provided for the whole family is truly astonishing, and I felt so motivated I wanted to start my walk that afternoon!
“I also feel strongly about adult hospice care.
“Linda’s sister sadly died in a hospice in another part of the country nine years ago, and the care she received made such a difference.
“People may think of these places as dark, gloomy and depressing, but that truly isn’t the case. They’re about making memories and living life to the full, no matter how short life may be.
“I wish I’d started fundraising earlier in my life, but perhaps I needed to go through what I’ve been through to reach this point.
“I also hope to inspire others who are dealing with their own grief and in a similar position to me.”
Robert, who has a son, Christian, will be wearing a GPS tracker during his challenge and plans to document his journey on YouTube.
He has bought a tent and will also stay at hotels and guest houses along the way. He is being joined for certain legs by a friend with a camper van.
“I couldn’t be doing what I’m doing without Linda by my side, in spirit at least, and despite everything, I consider myself the luckiest man in the world for having her in my life for so long,” he said.
“This walk is my whole reason for being, and it’s become something so much bigger than I could ever have imagined or anticipated.”
To show your support and make a donation, head here.
Robert has also set up a separate fundraising page to help cover the costs of his challenge.
