Exciting news; I’m in the Derby telegraph. I found out through a friend messaging me (it was a huge surprise). It’s actually out there , much further than my reach of family, friends and fellow HNPP sufferers. It’s so AMAZING!!!!!     Can you tell I’m excited?

Link to the news article: https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/derby-news/rare-condition-stopped-healthy-derby-3129122

Hopefully this whole thing will turn heads and people will actually take a second to think about those around them. I hope that it will make people realise that everyone is fighting their own battles and not all can be seen with the naked eye. Please help me create awareness for this awful condition that can be so debilitating. Together we can make a difference and maybe one day develop a cure or treatment method which will mean future generations won’t have to suffer .

Lots has been going on since I last wrote. I’ve been narrowing down my equipment list and have bought a new pair of walking boots after much deliberation and searching around. I feel like an absolute TANK when I wear them, I hope they stand me in good stead. As many of you know I’m going to need at least three pairs of walking boots over the 4,500 miles plus I’ll be walking.

I want to say a very special thank you to the people who bought me this new pair. Thank you very much, you know who you are. I’ve already started walking them in, and they’re an absolute dream.

I’ve bought a new waterproof which has a detachable fleece, mountain warehouse is amazing (especially with the sale on). I had one very similar a few years ago; its on its last legs now. I thought it would be best for an upgrade before I set off. It’s all coming together.

Next on the list is ordering a bivy bag (I’ve got a few in mind but I’m still deliberating), camping stove (I’m almost set on one), GPS (more research is needed) and a few other smaller items. I should have all the equipment bought by Wednesday at the latest (God Willing).

After all that Its a bit more planning and publicity. I’ll be gone before I know it.

Thank you for reading my blog and please share this story with your friends and family. The more awareness generated, the better.

If anyone lives or knows anyone on the coast who would be willing to put me up on my travels, please contact me. You can do that through Facebook messenger (just click the icon on the bottom of the page) or by email , these can both be found on the contact page.

Thank you to all those who have started to sponsor me and those who have promised to do so. An expedition of this undertaking costs a lot of money: equipment, food and occasional nights in hostels adds up over time.

It would be really helpful if you would consider sponsoring me. You can find out more on the donation page on the website. If sponsorship exceeds what I need , all excess funds will go towards Dr Li’s ground breaking research into treating HNPP. Alternatively if you just want to donate to the research, specify this in the notes on the payment ( you can find out more on the donation page).

Thanks for supporting me and see you next time.

Barney Lee