A DETERMINED woman who is walking the entire UK coastline to fundraise for environmental charities is set to reach Essex.

Blue Wilson, 48, of Selby in North Yorkshire has walked 944.57 miles in 59 days as of August 8, reaching as far south as Shotley Gate in Suffolk and as far north as Elie in Fife, Scotland.

Her next section will be on the Suffolk coastline starting on August 27, Blue will go walk from Shotley Gate southwards, passing through Harwich and Clacton to reach Langenhoe.

Blue said: “I am committed to completing this challenge to fundraise for Surfers Against Sewage and Sea Changers and I have raised £1,310 so far.”

“During my treks I have become increasingly aware of the perils endangering our oceans, marine life, coastal communities and climate.

“I have seen first hand some of the great work my chosen charities have done and I want to help by contributing as much as possible to their future projects.

“My challenge is completely self funded including all travel to and from start and finish points, accommodation, sustenance and kit.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard: TREKKING - Blue walking along the coast in Suffolk.TREKKING - Blue walking along the coast in Suffolk.

Blue uses her weekends and annual leave off work to complete each stage and although she is enjoying the challenge, she hit some hurdles

On a recent trip to Suffolk, she had a fall but insisted it was minor and continued in stride.

Blue added: “The fall just added more scars to my collection, on that trek I passed Felixstowe’s container port, the largest in the UK.

“Every year I hope to complete as big a section as possible until successfully completing the entire UK coastline in an estimated five years.”

Blue cross all rivers and estuaries by nearest bridge or path and often it’s a long walk inland because of this.

She will only use a boat to get to an island and even then only if not accessible by bridge or causeway.

Blue said: “I have seen and experienced some incredible things so far on my journey and made some amazing new connections with fellow coast walkers.”

For more information on Blue’s adventures visit bit.ly/3KeskKR and to donate to her fundraising cause visit bit.ly/3AJbYXr.