A BLANDFORD man is embarking on a colossal charity walking trip later this week.

Musician Dan Baker is setting off from his home in Blandford on Saturday (July 26) on a 12-day walk to Liverpool – some 280 miles.

He is raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and has raised £1,396 so far out of his £10,000 target.

On the way, Dan is aiming to record a new album which he will sell in aid of charity.

He said he was inspired to raise money for MNDA after a friend’s father died at the start of 2024 from MND.

“Following my walk to Margate last year, I’m embarking on another, this time to Liverpool from my home in Blandford,” he said.

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“I’ll be on the road for twelve days, and I leave home on July 26 and hope to raise lots of money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

“A friend of mine’s dad died at the beginning of 2024 of MND, and it’s the most dreadful journey, where the sufferer has to sit and slowly die, losing control of muscles and ultimately of independence.”

Dan will walk the trailway to Sturminster, then the Stour Valley way through Marnhull, and then to Fifehead Magdalen, before going cross-country to Castle Cary for his first stop.

He added: “I’m taking a very small guitar with me, and I’ll be making some recordings along the way, ultimately to come up with an album of music, which I’m hoping to sell in aid of the charity.

“Look me up on Facebook and message me if you’d like to do some of the walk with me-I could do with human company along the route!”

Dan is hoping to arrive in Liverpool on August 6.

To view the fundraising page, search for ‘Dan’s fundraiser walk for Motor Neurone Disease Association’ or click here.