Jim Morton shares adventure walking Britain’s coast in new book
After finishing an epic trek around the coast of mainland Britain in September 2022, our supporter Jim Morton has written a book on his experience, titled ‘I may be Gone a While’.
Starting his journey in April 2021, Jim spent 537 days walking nearly 9,000 miles around Britain’s coastline, raising more than £39,000 for The Gurkha Welfare Trust. He took on this challenge to fulfil a lifelong dream of seeing all of the country’s lighthouses, as well as to support Gurkha communities in Nepal.
The book is £15 including postage and packaging, and you can order your copy by via email or by sending a message to Jim’s Facebook Page. Proceeds from the book will benefit our vital work in Nepal.
Inspired by Gurkha bravery
Jim has a long-held respect for the Gurkhas ever since he worked closely with them as a teenage rating on HMS Gurkha. After seeing how many Gurkha veterans and families suffered in Nepal following the devastating earthquake in 2015, he decided the money raised from his trek should go to The Gurkha Welfare Trust.
The 18-month journey around the country’s coast was not without its difficulties. Jim had decided to tackle Scotland first so that he could finish the northern half of the country by the end of summer. Little did he know, there would be some challenges along the way that would extend his time in Scotland– namely, being swept out to sea twice and falling from a cliff! In his book he describes being rescued and airlifted to the hospital. Thankfully, he was discharged from the hospital just two days later. Completely undeterred by his fall, he insisted on continuing his challenge to fundraise for Gurkha veterans.
Crossing the finish line
It was a cold and rainy day when Jim and Sue finally returned to their hometown of Penistone in Yorkshire. Yet the atmosphere was jubilant as the two crossed the finish line, carrying a flag bearing the Gurkhas’ crossed kukri symbol. Cheers of “hip, hip, hooray!” sounded from the crowd as a Gurkha piper led Jim and Sue to the local Royal British Legion Centre.
Jim returns to his hometown after his 537-day journey. Photo credit BBC News
“It has been my lifelong ambition since 1967 to walk Britain’s coast,” Jim had said to the crowd. “And when I decided to do it I thought, there can be no better cause [to dedicate the challenge] than The Gurkha Welfare Trust.”
Jim’s book also mentions his wife Sue, who played a vital role in his mission to walk the country’s coast. She supported him every step of the way from their motorhome, mapping out the best route to meet him at the end of each day and sorting out a campsite for them to stay each night. She even managed his social media and press coverage.
Jim’s wife Sue supported him throughout his journey around Britain’s coast.
What’s next for Jim?
Though the coastal adventure has ended, Jim continues to take on challenges for the Trust, intent on reaching his £50,000 fundraising goal. This month he, Sue, and their dog Maisie summited Ben Nevis, ascending to 1,345 metres. You can keep up with his latest movements on his JustGiving Page and on Facebook.To order a copy of Jim’s book, click here to email him.