THE 23-year-old walking around the coast of Britain and Ireland for the RNLI was greeted by volunteers at Girvan and Troon stations recently.

Alex Ellis-Roswell's, from Margate in Kent, arrived at Girvan Lifeboat Station last Thursday, September 8 on day 786 into his 9,500 mile walk around the UK and reached Troon last weekend.

After the passing of his father, Sir Raymond Ellis, at Christmas in 2013, Alex decided to walk the entire coast of Great Britain, he sold his business, gave up his flat and somewhat comfortable lifestyle, and set off on the journey of a lifetime. Before ill health, his father had spent much of his life dedicated to charity work and fundraising, which spurred Alex on to set himself a goal of raising £10,000 for the RNLI.

"My dad’s ultimate stubbornness against what seemed to be a never ending cycle of illness, pain, operations and setbacks will always be a very personal inspiration to me", said Alex.

Throughout his journey, Alex is fortunate enough to experience generous hospitality and help from a number of RNLI supporters and crews, many providing him with food, drinks and sometimes a bed for the night.

Alec continued: "I’m not one for breaking records or being the fastest or anything like that. I have met some wonderful people and amazing crews along the way, and I love the ‘craic’ at each place I visit."

A spokesman for Girvan RNLI said: " Without people like Alex and the thousands of supporters and fundraisers up and down the country, we could not do what we do, save lives at sea."

So far Alex, has walked 4,500 miles and raised over £24,000 for the RNLI - smashing his initial target of £10,000 and has just finished walking the 2500 mile coastline of Ireland.

Alex first started his journey on August 3, 2014 with an aim to raise as much money as possible for the RNLI, on what he anticipates will be a four year project.

The walk will see him pass through 64 counties and eight national parks, visiting every lifeboat station along the way.

Alex said: "Covering the coastline and islands of Scotland during the winter will be one of the toughest things I have ever done."

If you see Alex on your travels, with his recognisable yellow jacket, bulging backpack and RNLI collection tin, please give him your support, encouragement and even a donation.

You can follow Alex’s journey around the UK by visiting his facebook page www.facebook.com/alexellisroswell or donate by visiting https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/longwalkround.