Dan McNeil nears Scotland on his ‘final stomp’

27 October 2023

Dan McNeil, walking the UK coastline to raise funds for SSAFA, is on the last leg of his 8,700-mile odyssey that will end on Sandyhills Beach on Saturday, November 18 with a final stomp.

The former Gunner from Dumfries set off from the same stretch of sand in early 2021 on his personal journey of healing and fundraising.

Now 27, Dan joined the British Army at 16 and entered the Royal Artillery, but a combination of factors, including the diagnosis of debilitating autoimmune disease – Ankylosing Spondylitis – saw him leave the Army after five years, and led him to substance abuse and the brink of suicide.

Dan reached out for help, and SSAFA heard his call.

But now Dan has November 18 and Sandyhills Beach firmly on his horizon. Currently in Cumbria, he will soon cross into Scotland, a bit closer to home, and a bit closer to being reunited with his mum.

The walk has, unsurprisingly, changed him, and he observes: “I’ve undergone significant personal growth, both physically and mentally.

“Not only have I improved my physical fitness, but I’ve also developed essential virtues such as discipline, courage, resilience, and self-confidence. These qualities have enabled me to maintain a stoic mindset, which has been instrumental in my continuous walk along the UK coastline.”

Describing the support received from well-wishers as “truly remarkable”, he adds: “The kindness and assistance I’ve received along this journey have been overwhelming, and I deeply appreciate everyone who has been part of this experience.”

This has been a community effort, a nationwide effort with support from people – those with a connection to the Armed Forces and those without – on every leg of his travels.

But as each journey begins with a single step, it must also end with a final one. His voyage of discovery ends on Sandyhills Beach, Dalbeattie, on November 18 and Dan invites anyone who wishes to walk his final few miles to join him at midday.