After walking almost 20 miles the Ythan Hotel, Newburgh kindly offered a determined pensioner a bed for the night.
Colin Snook (72), from Chinchester, West Sussex, is currently walking the length of the country in order to raise in excess of £50,000 for a charity he believes needs his support.
The ex-firefighter and co-ordinator of the local Southern Trails Wa
lkers' Club, reached Newburgh after leaving from Peterhead on Thursday last week and took advantage of the comfort available there before he set off on Friday to continue on his 4,000 mile walk.
Colin set off on New Year's Day from Bognor Regis on a tour of the British coastline in support of the little known but unique charity, Climb (Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases).
Most people in their eighth decade would consider a potter along the sea-front quite acceptable, so when asked why a man of such mature years was undertaking this venture, Colin replied: "Chasing a personal ambition is one thing, but I feel it must be in tow with a nobler cause."
Pensioner Colin Snook was put up by the Ythan Hotel last week as he stopped off in the North-east on his walking tour of the caostline. The ex firefighter is trying to raise money for Climb - a charity whch is designed children with inherited metabolic di
Colin was inspired to support the charity after a chance meeting with a teenager in the final stages of a devastating metabolic disease, which lead to severe disability and premature death.
"This encounter had a profound effect on me and because of this I have no hesitation in nominating Climb as the beneficiary of my effort," He added.
Having reached Fort William where Colin was greeted by the Provost, the Chief Fire Officer and President of Lochaber Rotary, Colin began the challenging hike to Cape Wrath.
However, after no contact for four days, the rescue services had to be alerted.
After seven anxious hours with involvement from police forces at Fort William, Colin was found safe and well, although conditions had slowed his progress considerably and lack of phones or mobile signals prevented him from making contact.
Preceding an assessment Colin was declared fit by the air crew and he finally arrived in Cape Wrath on July 27 and subsequently John O Groats on August 5.
He has now started his long 'descent' of the North East coast to reach Bognor by mid-December, with stops including Skirza, Lybster and Dornoch.
Through the generosity of sponsors Colin has now raised over £12,000 towards his £50,000 target.
In total some 16,000 families are affected with over 700 different metabolic diseases and Climb's major objectives include supporting families and funding research.
Colin added: "Because of the complexity and sheer number of metabolic diseases, Climb is not one of the best known charities. However, for those affected, the need for such support is great.
"Metabolic diseases can be devastating, incurable and change the lives of all family members.
"Although some of the 715 diseases that the charity supports are treatable, many babies and children still die at a very early age.
"Knowledge and treatment has improved thanks to research, but they are so rare that even now, doctors and nurses may not have seen a patient with a metabolic disease which can delay diagnosis and appropriate care."
Climb offers help to families through its free-phone and internet services with current, lay-friendly and specific information about each disease, and has specialist knowledge of experienced centres, treatments and relevant welfare information.
To sponsor, host Colin or learn more about his challenge, call0845 241 2173 or go to www.walkgb4climb.org.uk where you can follow his progress round the UK.
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