Stuart undertook his challenge to raise money for Tools for Self Reliance, a charity that works to support people to learn skills they can use to find work and earn an income. The charity has local partners in five African countries and raises funds to support projects which deliver training, complementing this with the provision of the tools, equipment and sewing machines needed to move into work. Tools are donated to the charity and refurbished by volunteers before being sent to Africa.

Stuart set off on his walk on 1 May and has walked approximately 15 miles each of the 50 days since. He has, himself, worked as workshop and site manager for Tools for Self Reliance for over 4 years. He said: “This will be the longest walk of my life, and certainly the hardest challenge I’ve ever faced… excluding becoming a father of course. Alongside my family, I am delighted to have the support of the Tools for Self Reliance team and our amazing volunteers.”

Tools for Self Reliance CEO, Sarah Ingleby, said: “This is an amazing challenge for Stuart to take on and we could not be prouder of him. There will certainly be ups and downs along the way, but we are confident that he will make it to the finish line. We hope that his efforts will encourage people to contribute to Stuart’s ambitious fundraising target so we can raise the funds needed to send our next shipment to Uganda, enabling even more people to change their lives.”

Stuart has already raised more than 80 per cent of its £5,650 target. Stuart said: “A big thank you to all those who have already donated to this challenge. I hope that even more people will want to donate, making every step worth the effort and ensuring we can help people to build better lives in Africa.”