Costessey man walking equivalent of Mexico to Canada

Matt Smith, who is a staff investigation processor with Norfolk Police, said: “I’ve done a few long-distance fundraising hikes in the past.  

“This latest escapade, however, is going to be by far my biggest, longest, toughest fundraiser yet. 

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“I need to be completing a half marathon distance each day, every day, for 182 consecutive days, whilst still doing a 40-hour weekly shift at work. 

“Somewhere just under five million steps should do the trick and get me to the end.” 

He will take on 13 miles per day alongside his full time job (Image: Matt Smith)

Matt will be taking on a virtual version of the Pacific Crest Trail, which in real life is ranked among the most difficult and has only been completed by less than 9,500 people.  

The 55-year-old will be walking a half marathon every single day to complete the equivalent of walking from Mexico to Canada.  

Living in Costessey and working out of County Hall means plenty of extended loops to and from work each day to rack up the miles, without the soaring peaks. 

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He started his challenge on October 1 and is planning to finish by March 31 if not before – by day 30 he had already finished 501 miles – leaving him an impressive 92 miles ahead of schedule.  

But with 1,984 miles left to walk and £555 raised of a £2,500 fundraising target he has, by his own admission, got plenty left to do. 

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He said: “Cancer needs no real introduction.   

“The chances of people being diagnosed with cancer during their life are increasing, however, the chances of surviving certain types of cancer are improving. 

“But there’s still a lot of work to do and charities like Cancer Research UK are essential in helping to improve survival rates.”