It's a boy! Charity walker who met fiancée walking the entire UK coastline announces birth of son

03 May 2022

Chris Lewis and his fiancée, Kate Barron, have announced the birth of their son, Magnus Edward Arden Lewis.

Chris started his adventure of self-discovery and survival in August 2017. The former Para wanted to give back to those who had helped him through difficult times and so set himself the challenge of walking the entire UK coastline to raise money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

Chris met Kate on the Scottish leg of his journey in August 2020. After two months, Kate decided to join him, and his dog Jet, for the rest of the challenge. Their romance went from strength to strength, and they will now be crossing the finish line as a family of four.

Magnus, born 1 May and weighing in at a healthy 8lb 14oz, will be brought home from the hospital today (3 May).

The joy Chris and Kate feel is clear from Chris’ Facebook post where he enthusiastically shares the wonderful news with followers of his charity challenge “Chris Walks the UK”, where he wrote:

“Good morning folks. So today we get to bring our little boy Magnus home. I can't wait to introduce you to him later on. Strong as an ox and absolutely beautiful. We are now officially a family.

“Have a great day all and thank you for all the kind words and comments we really appreciate it. Now it’s time to go bring him home xxx”

Chris has already raised more than £270,000 for SSAFA, the charity that supported him when he found himself homeless following his military service.

Lt General Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO at SSAFA, said of the news: “Chris Lewis has become an integral part of SSAFA since he set off from South Wales in August 2017 to walk the coastline of the United Kingdom and raise money for the charity. Not only has a raised an extraordinary £270,000 that will underwrite our support to the Armed Forces community but he has also been joined firstly by Jet, his dog, and then by Kate. And now we are thrilled to hear that Chris and Kate became parents over the bank holiday weekend following the birth of their son, Magnus.

"In sending them many, many congratulations, we also wish them every success for the remainder of their epic and unique journey. And then there were four…”

Find out more about Chris’ journey here.