Man walking 100 miles along Kennet Canal for locked-in friend

Adam Dunne, 34, is walking the length of the Kennet Canal from Reading to Bristol in support of his friend Howard Wicks, who suffered a massive brain stem stroke in October 2011 at the age of just 16.

The pair became friends after Adam offered aromatherapy massage services to Howard to stimulate his senses. Over time, and through the use of an electronic board which Howard used to communicate with his eyes, the pair became close friends and Adam vowed to raise money to fund Howard's equipment, carers and specialist transport.

Adam set out on his epic walk on Tuesday (25) and is hoping to complete his challenge on Friday.

He said: "I first met Howard when he was moved to a brain injury unit in Bath. I was in complete shock to see this 16-year-old child left with a body that will not work.

"He has normal cognitive brain function and is a bright and intelligent young man, but he is locked in a body that has ceased to perform in its normal capacity.

"We speak through messaging, and I told him I wanted to raise money for him, which will go towards equipment to offer him a better quality of life, day trips for him to enjoy, and further treatments for improvements."

So far, Adam has managed to raise more than £2,200 for Howard, and is hoping to raise more during his challenge.

He said: "I plan to walk the whole route of the Kennet Canal, tackling nine hours of walking, or 25 miles, per day.

"I completed a number of practice walks during my training, and have been walking to work in central Reading from my home in Pangbourne, which is around 11 miles per day.

"This is the first charity fund raiser I have ever done. Doing it alone is scary but exciting at the same time. I am really looking forward to it.

"Howard knows I am doing this for him, and I have dropped hints that I would love to see him at the finish line, but we will have to see."

To sponsor Adam, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/adam-dunne-1