A YOUNG man and his dog who are walking the coastline of the UK mainland got a warm welcome in Stanford-le-Hope this morning as they started out on a new day of an inspirational personal challenge.

Jordan Kealy is a 25-year-old man from Blackburn in Lancashire who spent much of last year wondering what he was going to do with his life.

In a bid to find himself and help others he decided to embark on a trek around the UK to promote the work of Crewe Men in Sheds and other groups in the Sheds network - and fundraise for them. Joining him on his epic journey is his dog Shyla, who has her own fundraising page for the RSPCA.

The duo have already completed hundreds of miles since setting out from Nantwich in Cheshire and have traversed much of the west and south coasts and are now heading north up the east coast - crossing the Thames yesterday (Wednesday, 17 January) via the Tilbury Ferry. Their journey is planned to end in Scotland later this year.

Jordan started his journey with a big send off from the Crewe Shedders, who he is supporting.

Along the way Jordan says he has been overwhelmed by the support he has received from individuals and local communities and he has been struck by the kindness he and Shyla have received.

That welcome was shared in Stanford-le-Hope today where he popped into the dog-friendly Hope Coffee shop (recently refurbished) on the High Street where owner Beverley Clayton was so impressed by his achievements she 'fed and watered' Jordan and Shyla before she and fellow customers wished them well on the next leg of the journey which should see them reach Southend this evening.

Jordan took time to talk to Thurrock Nub News and in our video explains what had motivated him and how he hopes he and rescued dog Shyla will end up finishing their epic journey in a much better state of mind.

He tells how he has been inspired by the Sheds movement and 'the forgotten generation'.

Jordan also told Nub News why he has shared the fundraising with the RSPCA, represented by Shyla, saying: "I've chosen the RSPCA for a multitude of reasons, they are a charity that has been close to my heart since I was a little boy n rescued a bird that I found with an injured tail in my garden.

The RSPCA are a fantastic service that have been helping neglected and wounded animals since the late 18th century!

"Last year they helped more than 65,000 animals and they couldn't do any of the brilliant work they do if it wasn't for the continuation of support and donations that they receive. As Shyla is accompanying me on this journey I felt that it's only right for her to be representing one of the greatest animal charities on this planet. To find out more information about them please visit their website."

You can follow Jordan and Shyla on their trek around the UK via his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092925258576 or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.walking.pleb?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Jordan's fundraising page for Crewe Men in shed can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/watch-me-walk-the-coast-of-the-uk-in-175-days?member=30708879&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer.

Jordan, who has nick-named himself 'The Walking Pleb' has also got a page featuring the associated causes he supportes that can be viewed here: https://linktr.ee/thewalkingpleb?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=60a1294b-a625-4958-97fe-047e76896a03&fbclid=IwAR0ntABh50_bJSLC7Uh16Q8SHgZEm6g8nG8i4T3wFJRRezDNNdeDKS-ldOc