Barefoot soldier arrives in Grantham to a round of applause

An army major stopped off in Grantham yesterday (Tuesday) as part of an epic 700-mile barefoot walk from Cornwall to Scotland.

Major Chris Brannigan, of Tidworth, is part-way through his epic walk from Land’s End in Cornwall to Edinburgh, carrying 25kg of kit, in a bid to fund research into his young daughter’s rare disease.

His eight-year-old daughter Hasti was diagnosed with Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) in 2018, which currently has no cure or treatment.

Chris has so far raised more than £150,000 towards his £200,000 target, which will go towards funds for gene therapy to try and change his daughter’s fate.

Speaking to the Journal yesterday as he headed towards Grantham on day 21 of his journey, the 40-year-old said: “I am in a good place although my feet are sore, battered and bruised. We knew that we wanted to do something to capture people’s attention and Hasti has been exposed to so much that it seemed only fair that I put myself through some discomfort by going barefoot.

“The support that we have received throughout the challenge has been incredible.”

Chris set off from Cottesmore yesterday accompanied by members of the 7 Regiment RLC, 102 Logistic Brigade, 2nd Battalion the Royal Anglian and several working dogs.

He passed through South Witham, North Witham, Colsterworth, Easton and Great Ponton.

A large group of supporters turned out to greet him at Colsterworth including Amy and Gary Farrell with their daughters Pixi-Mai and Ivy-Rose.

Amy said: “Being a military family we have followed his story closely over the last few months and couldn’t wait to meet him.

“He is such an amazing man and meeting him was very humbling. He shared sweets with my girls and chatted to them while he had a quick water break.

“We wish him luck on the rest of his journey and hope he smashes his target to get the treatment Hasti needs.”

Chris was later greeted with a round of applause when he arrived at the Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, just after 3pm, where he stayed the night before he sets off for Newark-on-Trent this morning, passing through Sedgebrook and Bottesford along the way.

Last week, Chris visited 10 Downing Street to deliver a petition calling for better treatment for those affected by rare diseases.

Please donate by visiting: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BarefootAcrossBritain