A man is taking on the mammoth challenge of walking from Manchester to the Eiffel Tower all in aid of an East Lancashire animal sanctuary.
Symon Hughes from Blackburn is beginning the epic 380 mile trip on February 21, and is hoping to raise £3,000 for Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Edenfield.
Animal lover, Mr Hughes said: "I'm raising money in aid of Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary and every donation will help.
"I am doing a 380 mile walk to the Eiffel Tower in Paris from the Cathedral in Manchester.
"I will start the walk on February 21, and I'm hoping to hit 27 to 30 miles per day."
Mr Hughes, who owns The Fitness Bank and Girls on Top gyms in Oswaldtwistle says once he reaches Dover he will cross the channel by ferry and upon landing in Calais will begin the last leg of his trek to Paris, before taking a selfie at the top of the famous tower.
He continued: "I will be taking a pop-up tent and other small necessities, and will stop in different hostels or hotels along the way to rest at night.
"I'm not a huge sleeper so I will be looking to get it done as fast as possible, early mornings and late nights.
"Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me I am a massive animal lover, especially dogs.
"Every penny will help."
Mr Hughes says he's received a fair bit of attention since announcing the challenge and is hoping that with a bit more of a push he can smash his target.
He said: "I've never done something to this size I don't think and I think it's showing through the attention it's getting. Gofundme have messaged asking if they can contact various people due to its magnitude and for the first time I've thought why not?
"The walk will hopefully take me 14 days, and not one penny will go into my pocket, all hotels I stop at on the way come out my own pocket.
"I'm just a huge animal lover, especially dogs, and I've seen what Bleakholt do and just really wanted do this for them."
So far Mr Hughes has managed to raise just over £1,500.
To donate, visit Gofundme.com/manchestertopariswalk
For updates follow Sy on Instagram @Mcr_2_par_backpack_diaries
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