Epic 196-mile walk aims to raise £2,500 for charity

published on 22 Jul 2026

A Swansea church member is taking on the challenge of walking 196 miles to London this month, hoping to raise £2,500 for The Salvation Army’s work in Morriston. 

Simon Richardson’s The Big SA Walk begins on Sunday 19 July, with the finish line set for Saturday 1 August. 

Simon said:  

“Back in 2008, my mother and I walked the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path in memory of my father. This new challenge grew out of that experience. I’ll walk around 18 miles a day at first, slightly less in the second week, with a rest day near Oxford. A friend from church is coming to help with my welfare as well as planning and coordination to make sure the walk runs smoothly and safely.” 

Simon’s route will take him from Morriston through Abergavenny, Ross‑on‑Wye, Gloucester, Oxford and Maidenhead before entering London. He will visit The Salvation Army’s UK Territorial Headquarters in south London before finishing at International Headquarters in the City. Local Salvationists will host him along the way with hotel stops if needed. 

During training, Simon scaled south Wales tallest peak, Pen-y-Fan

Originally from Northamptonshire, Simon now lives in Aberdare and commutes weekly to Morriston where he plays horn in The Salvation Army band and sits on the church council. His family history with The Salvation Army stretches back generations. 

“My great‑great‑grandfather joined The Salvation Army in 1867 when it was still called The Christian Mission and he would have known the founder, William Booth. Later, my great aunt Major Mary Templeton cared for three of the Booths’ granddaughters. On the other side, my mum’s family joined in 1902 and three generations of us still attend today.” 

My great‑great‑grandfather joined The Salvation Army in 1867 when it was still called The Christian Mission and he would have known the founder, William Booth
Simon Richardson
Simon in training for this challenge walking at the seafront in Swansea.

Simon, who works for a local supermarket, has enjoyed being outdoors training for the challenge. He recently climbed five peaks at Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons), reaching Pen‑y‑fan for sunrise, the highest peak in south Wales. 

The leader of The Salvation Army church in Morriston, Major Stephen Brevitt, said: 

“We are proud of Simon for taking the initiative and having the courage to undertake such a task. We applaud his spirit and dedication as he steps out to raise much needed funds to support our work with vulnerable people.” 

To donate, visit Simon’s JustGiving page titled, The Big SA Walk https://tinyurl.com/3ua5wnmd  

Simon will walkl 196 miles to London to raise £2,500 for The Salvation Army’s work in Morriston.

Help us to continue to be there for people in their hour of need.

Support our work

Donate