A MAN aiming to walk the entire British and Irish coast for the RNLI has arrived in Irvine to continue his epic challenge.

Alex Ellis-Roswell first started his journey in August 2014 with an aim to raise as much money as possible for the RNLI.

Incredibly, the quest will take 20 million footsteps - a walk 9,500 miles - and around four years to complete.

And in his second year of his challenge, the 23-year-old has descended on Irvine to walk across the Ayrshire coastline.

His route sees him go clockwise around Britain and Ireland and has just finished walking the 2500 mile coastline of Ireland.

Alex, from Margate, will walk from the furthest South Ayrshire right up towards Skelmorlie.

He will also visit the RNLI stations in Troon, Largs and Girvan.
So far, Alex has walked 4,500 miles and raised over £24,000 for the RNLI - smashing his initial target of £10,000.

The charity operates 238 lifeboat stations around the UK and Ireland and rely entirely on volunteers and donations to save an average of 23 lives per day.

Alex said: “Hiking through Scotland this winter will be the greatest challenge I’ve faced so far over the past two years.”

“There’s no doubt in my mind the lifeboat volunteers are heroes.

“I must have met over one thousand volunteers by now. Their dedication and professionalism and sacrifice and bravery is an inspiration to see.

“Unfortunately we seem to live in a world of so much bad news now. But here are thousands of men and women, from all different backgrounds, coming together for the good of others.”

To donate to RNLI Lifeboats, visit www.bt.com/DonateToLifeboats and to follow and support Alex, visit www.facebook.com/alexellisroswell.