Countdown to Seb’s big walk

11:08am Saturday 12th January 2008

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THE countdown has begun for plucky Weymouth teenager Seb Green - who will walk round the coast of Britain.

Driven by a determination to give something back, the 18-year-old from Littlemoor will embark on his mammoth journey on February 1, carrying a 23kg rucksack and with his dog Flash for company.

With a support network in place and a fundraising campaign launched to help pay his way, Seb is keen to get going.

He was due to start last November but was delayed until everything was in place.

"I'm confident I will be successful but I'm daunted by the task at hand," Seb admitted today.

Seb has already come a long way before he even starts his 5,800-mile walk.

In 2005 he and a friend took a boat for a joyride but became trapped in mud in the Fleet and had to be rescued by coastguards.

Seb was put in contact with Dorset's Youth Offending Team and invited to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

With challenges under his belt including an expedition to Snowdonia, Seb has almost completed the full award.

He planned the walk to raise £20,000 - the amount equivalent to the cost of the rescue.

The money cannot be given to coastguards so proceeds will be split between Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and the Starlight Children's Foundation.

Seb is also using the opportunity to promote sea safety in conjunction with the RNLI and will give talks to youngsters on his return, which he hopes will be before Christmas.

Aware that his escapades in 2005 could have cost him his life, Seb will be walking in memory of those who have died at sea including Lulworth youngsters Mathew Myburgh and Charlie Morrell, and the Portland schoolboy Kyle Moore.

Seb, a member of the Territorial Army who eventually hopes to join the Royal Marines, said: "After the delays I've got itchy feet and just want to get going."

Duke of Edinburgh Award officer for Dorset Mary Harper said organisations and individuals had donated money and equipment. Award volunteers around Britain will make up the network of support and be on standby to help him.

Mrs Harper is setting up a website and will send out newsletters to inform supporters of Seb's progress.

She said: "Seb is fired up and totally committed. It's a huge physical challenge and there's no guarantee he will complete it.

"But I think if anyone that age can do it Seb is the man for the job."

As well as the charities' fund, a walking fund has been established to cover the cost of food, campsite fees and new kit.

If you can help contact Mrs Harper on 01305 851065 or email: M.Harper@dorsetcc.gov.uk You can also donate to Seb's charities at www.starlight.org.uk