A CROWN WOOD man will embark on an epic solo hike from Bracknell to Paris on Friday (September 2).

Nickie Hersey, a landscape gardener for a private estate, will take on the 242 mile challenge in aid of ChanceUK - a charity that helps children with behavioural difficulties realise their full potential.

He will be sleeping in a tent throughout his adventure.

Nickie, 27, said: "For the past year I have wanted to do something similar to this and one day I was joking around with one of my best friends on Google Maps and I sent a screen shot of the route if you were to walk to Paris so what started out of a joke led to this.

"I wanted to get away from everything and have some time to think; I am fit enough to do it, so I think it will be more of a mental challenge than a physical one.

"I walk up to 20 miles a day because of my work so my Fitbit is always going crazy and I do a lot of running and training normally.

"I also did a boxing match for Cancer Research at the weekend."

He says his choice of charity was inspired by a Facebook post to his friends to see if any of them had been benefitted by one in particular and says ChanceUK 'really sprung out'.

He added: "I have only got 11 days off work so I have to make it to Paris in that time before I fly home!

"I am looking to get out of the UK by the third day; the first couple of days are going to be the hardest as I'm going to have to walk 32 miles a day, while carrying all of my gear."

To sponsor Nickie visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Nickie-hersey?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=20160824_70371