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It’s not every day that someone attempts to walk 300 miles across the north of England. It’s even rarer when that person is blind.

But Andrew Elliker-Reeve isn’t interested in the ordinary. Starting this September, the 60-year-old from Yorkshire will lace up his boots and embark on a monumental trek across the Trans Pennine Trail, spanning from Southport to Hornsea. He will head through various areas of Greater Manchester, including Trafford, Stockport, and Tameside.

His mission? To raise £15,000 for Guide Dogs UK, and to challenge the public’s perceptions of disability, courage and independence.

The incredible Andrew Elliker-Reeve

Andrew Elliker-Reeve (L)

In early 2020, Andrew underwent what should have been a routine operation to improve circulation in his legs. What followed was a devastating chain of medical complications. He spent 10 days in a coma and awoke to a life changed forever, without a colon, without a functioning spleen, and without his sight.

That ethos is now at the heart of Travelling Blind, the name of his campaign, his Facebook blog, and his growing movement of supporters. Since his recovery, Andrew has taken on some of the UK’s most challenging long-distance routes: the Wolds Way, the Cleveland Way, and most recently, the King Charles III England Coast Path from the Scottish border to Bridlington, a staggering 245 miles in just 21 days. All completed with the help of dozens of volunteer guides who walk beside him, quite literally lending him their eyes.

Now, he’s about to take on his biggest challenge yet.

2025 Trans Pennine Trail Challenge

Andrew’s latest expedition will begin on September 7th in Southport and end in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, 22 days later. The route cuts straight across the country, passing through major towns and cities, including Manchester.

He’s looking for volunteer guides to walk with him for short stretches, and anyone with a car who might be able to help move luggage or provide support.

Raising money for Guide Dogs UK

Andrew doesn’t use a guide dog himself, but his fundraising efforts have already had a remarkable impact. To date, he’s raised over £26,000 for Guide Dogs UK, enough to name five puppies: Skye, Lewis, Barney, Harris and Islay. With this year’s challenge, he’s aiming to raise enough for at least three more.

Through talks, walks, and social media updates, Andrew is building not just funds, but awareness. He’s become an ambassador for resilience and hope (with a side of his signature humour) regularly updating his followers on Instagram (@travellingblind1) and Facebook with tales from the trail, reflections on blindness, and the occasional joke.

How to get involved with Andrew’s walk

If you’d like to support Andrew’s journey, there are several ways to help:

  • Donate via his JustGiving page here
  • Volunteer as a guide or driver for part of the journey
  • Spread the word by sharing his story on social media
  • Follow his journey on Facebook or Instagram @travellingblind1

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