A MAN has battled the elements as he bids to complete a 600-mile trek across the UK in honour of servicemen and women.

Adam Taylor, 33, of London Road, Leigh is walking from Hadleigh to Scotland for the Help For Heroes charity.

The charity was launched in October 2007 to help and support British servicemen and women injured on duty.

He left for his journey on Tuesday March 1 from the Roe Fire Arms shop, Benfleet Road, Hadleigh with a heavy backpack containing a tent, camping equipment, food and other supplies.

His journey took him through Brentwood, Epping, Hemel Hempstead, Oxford, Cheltenham, Redditch, Dudley, Stoke-on- Trent, Liverpool, Blackpool, Lancaster, Carlisle, Paisley, Glasgow, and Greenock, before he completes his journey at the War Memorial in Dunoon, Scotland.

Mr Taylor had originally expected to finish his walk in 14 days, however, 33 days later he is still walking.

With members of his family who have served in the Armed Forces, he became passionate about his cause.

Friend Robert Drury, 38, who has been supporting him said he was nearing the end of his epic journey.

Speaking yesterday, Mr Drury said: “I spoke to him today and he was around three hours from Gretna Green.

“When I asked how he was, he laughed and said he was a bit sore. I think it is just sheer will power and determination that has got him this far.

He added how kind and friendly people had been to Adam on his journey. He said that people had been cheering him on, coming out of their homes with refreshments, and giving him encouragement.

Mr Drury added: “He has also dealt with some very complex, hazardous and tricky situations, including walking in the wrong direction for a whole day, very nearly drowning in a frozen lock and walking down the side of a motorway.

“Adam told me that the worse part of his journey was feeling lonely, as he has been desperately missing his young family, his partner Jenny, his son Kane, his daughter Jasmine and his father and friends.

“The vast majority of people would have given up long ago, but not Adam, he is as true to his cause today as when he started.

"I must admit that at points I have felt that he must stop for his own safety and pleaded with him to come home, but the word surrender is not in Adams vocabulary."

Adam Taylor has an online funding page, should residents wish to donate to his cause.