A Nantwich man headed home at the weekend when he reached the half-way point in his epic wheelbarrow push from North to South.
Liam Challenor, 34, is walking from John O’Groats in Scotland to Land’s End in Cornwall to raise money for the Band of Brothers wellbeing charity for people in the building industry.
He hopes to complete the challenge in just 61 days, having set off on June 30, with the wheelbarrow containing the weight equivalent of his two children.
He is walking the route solo in hi-vis clothing, with the estimated distance up to 1,200 miles to avoid some of the busiest roads.
And as Nantwich News caught up with him, just outside Preston, Liam was determined to continue despite blood blisters and excruciating knee pain.
“I’ve never walked more than eight miles, so didn’t know what to expect,” said Liam.
“I started off in my steel-capped boots and one of my little toe nails is now about to fall off.
“First two weeks were horrendous. I didn’t think I was physically up to it and had tears streaming down my face.
“One day my knees just wouldn’t work. I bought some frozen peas to put on them and that seemed to help.
“Now it’s my feet. I can’t describe how much they ache but I’m determined to complete this.”
Liam is averaging 25 miles a day spending nights on campsites or B&Bs.
In Glasgow, he was unfortunately targeted by thieves who stole belongings including his radio and selfie stick from his wheelbarrow while parked overnight.
That was a blow for Liam who has previously struggled with his mental health.
He hit rock bottom last year after being devastated by financial woes, work stress and a relationship breakdown. He’d also spent thousands to launch an app for tradespeople.
There were issues with sleep and Liam would often walk around Nantwich in the early hours of the morning.
He had to be admitted to hospital due to the stress after he’d stopped eating or drinking for three days.
“I didn’t realise the dark places had a cellar as well, until I got there.
“It was really weighing me down, everything that hit me before Christmas just took me under.”
But the builder says he was saved by pictures of his two children, and set about turning his life around.
A customer also helped him turn a corner by focusing on positive parts of his life.
Walking, getting out into nature and learning to enjoy his own company have helped him with his issues.
Now he hopes to raise awareness of mental health as well as money for the charity.
“I’ve done about 500 miles and have met some good people. Pushing a wheelbarrow does look like I’m going to the tip though! Then I explain the reason and people are great.
“I love what Band of Builders stand for and how many families they help. They mean something personal to me and I hope people will donate.”
After a day’s rest in Nantwich, Liam’s next milestones are Shrewsbury, Hereford, Bristol and his final destination Land’s End.
Follow his instagram, Facebook and TikTok live updates on @Tradieapp
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