A local campaigner has passed his goal after walking over 100 miles to raise funds for a local conservation charity.

Dmitrijs Meiksans, the Member of Youth Parliament for North West Hampshire, set out to walk 175.6km in two weeks from late October. Over the fortnight, he ended up exceeding his goal by another 5km. 

As a result, he has so far raised over £250 for Andover Trees United, which is fundraising for a new cabin on their site at Harmony Woods, near Augusta Park.

Dmitrijs said: “It was most definitely a challenge and I have never done anything like this before but it was gratifying to see the local community gathering to support me as I walked quite a long distance and for such an important local cause.”

The MYP battled wet weather and the second national lockdown during his walk, the latter of which was introduced during his first week. Dmitrijs said that he would continue to walk until he was no longer allowed; a situation that fortunately did not occur.

Following his walk, he said he was looking forward to a rest, saying: “My legs are most definitely sore and a lot of my shoes need a good clean, especially after some of the days I walked during heavy rain, which had caused a lot of mud to build upon the paths around the site.”

The money will now help fund the Charity’s proposed cabin at Harmony Woods, which is planned to include a volunteer base, a classroom and additional storage space for the charity’s equipment.

Wendy Davis, Projects Coordinator at Andover Trees United, said, “We are feeling inspired by, and hugely grateful to, Dmitrijs for completing this challenge and raising much needed funds for the cabin. It’s been a tricky week both in terms of bad weather and the rise in local infections but he has not been perturbed and we applaud his resilience. Well done Dmitrijs!”

Dmitrijs’ fundraiser remains open until Monday, November 23, and anyone wishing to donate can click here to head to the fundraising page.