Man walking 650 miles in memory of mum

A 26-year-old man is walking the entire 650 miles of the South West Coast Path in memory of his "amazing" mum who died of cancer.

James Hirst, originally from the New Forest in Hampshire, is raising money for the Salisbury Hospice in Wiltshire where his mum, Nikee, was cared for before she died from breast cancer.

On day 32 of his challenge of walking from Fordingbridge in Hampshire and Minehead in Somerset, he told BBC Radio Wiltshire: "I have noticed how hospices are struggling at the moment.

"It's so important these organisations keep going, as they are so crucial to people like me and my family."

He added: "I really respect and admire the charity and do what I can to help them."

Nikee was 50 when she died from breast cancer, which she had previously been treated for before it returned and spread.

Her son has described the support of the Salisbury Hospice in her final months as "amazing."

Hirst, who is documenting his journey on Instagram and TikTok, said he had enjoyed the support of strangers, such as a farmer who helped him get back on his route after becoming lost, and a couple who lent him their spare room.

He said the memories of his mum are keeping him going, especially as the South West Coast Path was a challenge she herself had hoped to complete.

Hirst, who has raised nearly £5,000 for the Salisbury Hospice, added: "My mum was an amazing woman. She loved life, she was really active, she was fiercely competitive and strong-minded.

"She was loved by everyone she met, she was a one-of-a-kind character and my inspiration in many ways in my life.

"If I can do something like this, this is right up my mum's street in terms of life experiences and getting out in the world."

Hirst is expected to finish his challenge this week after 42 days on the road, and said the wider cause keeps him going.

He said: "Towards the end of her [his mum's] life, my family and I were lucky enough to be able to lean on the care and support of the hospice which helped to alleviate some stress from our lives.

"Having a family member go through the immense rollercoaster of a terminal cancer diagnosis is one of the worst things that my family has ever experienced, however, knowing that she had the best care possible at the end of her life was an incredible comfort."

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.