Flip-flop hiker lugs postbox in national park loneliness quest
A flip-flop-wearing adventurer is on a mission to climb some of Britain's tallest peaks, carrying a 26kg (57lb) cast iron postbox he bought when he was drunk.Stu Skinner, from Weymouth, Dorset, is inviting people to join him on his quest to reach the highest point in all 15 national parks to raise awareness of loneliness.The hikes range from 25ft (7.6m) elevation to 3,025ft (922m), giving people of all abilities a chance to take part.Mr Skinner, who advocates outdoor activities to aid mental health, will be inviting participants to send postcards from the peaks, or request them via his website.
He freely admits the postbox had been an "absurd and questionable" purchase during a boozy night at a charity auction."I had a few too many drinks and woke up in a hotel room with a cast iron Royal Mail postbox," he said."It was quite a surprise."Mr Skinner initially thought the £700 purchase could be a feature piece before coming up with Postcards from Peaks."I was chronically lonely and the postbox is a symbol of community and connection."I thought I could go on these hikes and invite people from the community to join me, and post postcards from the peaks."An online form also allows supporters to send postcards or request one for themselves.
The challenge begins on 31 May at Yr Wyddfa, also known as Snowdon in North Wales, and concludes on 6 September with Ben Macdui, in the Cairngorms in the Scottish Highlands.Easier routes include Strumpshaw Hill, the highest point in the Norfolk Broads, but Mr Skinner assured participants that "nobody will be left behind" on any of the hikes."I'll be carrying a postbox in flip flops, so don't worry about pace," he said."If anything, you might end up waiting for me at the summit."Donations will go towards Head Outside, the mental health charity founded by Mr Skinner.
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